MONROE - Online readers of The Monroe Times will see a fresh look and new features when the newspaper launches its redesigned website next week. The site is scheduled to launch Tuesday, Dec. 18.
The Times' new website will continue to offer local news, sports, photos, classifieds and advertising but with an updated, streamlined interface. In addition, the site has also been expanded to offer numerous new features, including lottery numbers, recipes, box office numbers, professional sports scores and even a daily exercise video.
Beginning Jan. 2, most online content on the website will be available only to paid Times subscribers. Print subscribers who have a yearly subscription or pay through the Times' EZ Pay monthly bank withdrawal option will be given free access to the website. Readers can also elect to subscribe to the online edition only.
The decision to limit online readership to paid subscribers reflects a growing trend in the news publishing industry.
"For years, we've been basically giving away our news product for free on the website. This has been common for news organization, but ultimately, it's a practice that's been a detriment to the entire industry," explained Carl Hearing, Times' publisher and general manager. "As our online audiences grow and technology evolves, we're seeing an emphasis placed on professionally-produced local news content, and an industry-wide move toward paid access."
Hearing stressed free online access will be given as a premium for annual and EZ Pay print subscribers.
"We want to give our existing print subscribers ample opportunity to preregister for the site. Because of this, these print subscribers will be able to register for the new website beginning Dec. 18 and continuing through Friday, Dec. 28," Hearing said. "They can still sign up for free online access after Dec. 28, but their login information may not be activated for one to two business days. By pre-registering, print subscribers will see no delay in online access on Jan. 2."
More information about the registration process for online access will be announced as the redesigned website launches Dec. 18.
Online-only subscribers can register beginning Jan. 2.
Non-subscribers will still be able to see the website; however, readers will have to log in to click on headlines and read stories.
A limited amount of content will remain free for all to access. This content includes the community calendar; obituaries and death notices; weddings, anniversaries and engagements; and classifieds. In addition, breaking news stories that are a matter of public safety will also be available to non-subscribers.
The domain name, themonroetimes.com, will remain the same as the existing site.
The Times' new website will continue to offer local news, sports, photos, classifieds and advertising but with an updated, streamlined interface. In addition, the site has also been expanded to offer numerous new features, including lottery numbers, recipes, box office numbers, professional sports scores and even a daily exercise video.
Beginning Jan. 2, most online content on the website will be available only to paid Times subscribers. Print subscribers who have a yearly subscription or pay through the Times' EZ Pay monthly bank withdrawal option will be given free access to the website. Readers can also elect to subscribe to the online edition only.
The decision to limit online readership to paid subscribers reflects a growing trend in the news publishing industry.
"For years, we've been basically giving away our news product for free on the website. This has been common for news organization, but ultimately, it's a practice that's been a detriment to the entire industry," explained Carl Hearing, Times' publisher and general manager. "As our online audiences grow and technology evolves, we're seeing an emphasis placed on professionally-produced local news content, and an industry-wide move toward paid access."
Hearing stressed free online access will be given as a premium for annual and EZ Pay print subscribers.
"We want to give our existing print subscribers ample opportunity to preregister for the site. Because of this, these print subscribers will be able to register for the new website beginning Dec. 18 and continuing through Friday, Dec. 28," Hearing said. "They can still sign up for free online access after Dec. 28, but their login information may not be activated for one to two business days. By pre-registering, print subscribers will see no delay in online access on Jan. 2."
More information about the registration process for online access will be announced as the redesigned website launches Dec. 18.
Online-only subscribers can register beginning Jan. 2.
Non-subscribers will still be able to see the website; however, readers will have to log in to click on headlines and read stories.
A limited amount of content will remain free for all to access. This content includes the community calendar; obituaries and death notices; weddings, anniversaries and engagements; and classifieds. In addition, breaking news stories that are a matter of public safety will also be available to non-subscribers.
The domain name, themonroetimes.com, will remain the same as the existing site.