The nonprofit Salt Lake Tribune is ready to tear down its paywall
After two years of planning, there’s finally a date. Well, okay, a month: May. That’s when the Salt Lake Tribune, Utah’s largest newspaper, will drop its paywall. “Starting in May, all newly published stories on sltrib.com and in the app will be free to read тАФ no subscription required,” wrote CEO and executive editor Lauren...
The Salt Lake Tribune, Utah's largest newspaper, is set to remove its paywall in May, marking a significant shift in its business model. After two years of planning and strategic decision-making, the nonprofit organization will make all newly published stories on its website and app freely accessible to the public. This move comes as the Tribune continues to explore its unique role as a nonprofit news outlet in the United States.
In a note to subscribers, CEO and executive editor Lauren Gustus announced that starting in May, readers will no longer need a subscription to access new content on sltrib.com or through the app. This decision follows a series of articles and announcements over the past year, highlighting the Tribune's commitment to expanding access to quality local journalism.
The Salt Lake Tribune converted to nonprofit status in 2019, a move that allowed it to focus on its mission of providing trusted, independent journalism to the community. In the years since, the organization has achieved financial stability, enabling it to reevaluate its core values and consider what a nonprofit newspaper should look like in the modern media landscape.
One of the key findings of this introspection has been the importance of ensuring that quality local news is not limited to those who can afford a subscription. "We believe trusted, independent journalism is a right тАФ not a luxury," Gustus wrote. "And at a time when misinformation spreads faster than ever, expanding access isn't just important тАФ it's necessary."
The transition to a free-access model will be seamless for current digital subscribers, who will be automatically converted to monthly donors at the same level. The base rate for a digital subscription is currently $10 per month, and the Tribune will make it easy for subscribers to opt out if they choose. However, many readers are likely to continue supporting the organization, now with the added benefit of tax-deductible donations.
For those who transition to regular donors, there will be a few exclusive benefits, including the ability to comment on stories and access to the e-edition. Additionally, donors will have exclusive access to older stories, as only newly published content from May onward will be free to all readers.
The Tribune plans to sustain this new model by relying on donations from its audience and community support. By removing the paywall, the organization aims to deepen its connection with the public and reinforce its role as a vital resource for local news. This decision reflects a growing trend among nonprofit news outlets, which are increasingly recognizing the importance of prioritizing public access to journalism in an era of widespread misinformation.
In May, the Salt Lake Tribune will take a bold step forward in its mission to provide accessible, high-quality journalism to the people of Utah. By removing its paywall, the Tribune not only reaffirms its commitment to independent reporting but also sets a precedent for other news organizations considering similar models. As Gustus emphasizes, this shift is not just about business тАФ it's about upholding the right of the community to be informed and engaged in the democratic process.
