It’s no secret the local news business is not without its challenges these days. While newspapers across the country are cutting back, outsourcing, or closing altogether, we have been finding ways to invest in our product and delivery methods.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen encouraging results. Subscriptions are up, as is online engagement, and our Aug. 20 issue ran at 24 pages of local news and features, backed by strong support from local businesses – all signs we’re reporting the stories people want, and delivering them in the places people want to be reading them.
Starting Oct. 1, THE EQUITY will grow from eight pages to 12 pages each week — a 50 per cent increase. That means more news, photos, community events, and your letters delivered by our local team.
Last September, we adjusted subscription rates for the first time in many years. It was a tough but necessary step given rising costs of labour, printing, and delivery. Earlier this spring, we surveyed readers and non-readers and the vast majority said they were in fact willing to pay more for quality local news.
From that feedback, we adjusted the single-copy price to $1.74 plus tax — a simple toonie. Now, we’re making another adjustment, but this time, only for new subscriptions.
A note to current subscribers: Your rates will not be affected by this price change.
As of Oct. 1, new subscription rates will be:
- Home Delivery: $69.99 per year (about $1.40 per issue)
- Digital-only (annual): $54.99 per year
- Digital-only (monthly): $5.99 per month
New subscribers can still lock in the current rates by signing up before Oct. 1. Existing subscribers will not be impacted by this change and will renew at our current rates.
In addition, we are introducing a new option for subscribers who want to go further in supporting local journalism. At renewal, you’ll have the choice to add a contribution above your subscription rate, and it is completely voluntary.
Thank you for continuing to support local news in the Pontiac.
Jon Stewart
Publisher, The Equity
