The Detroit News Transform

General FAQs

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What changes are being made to The Detroit News and detnews.com?

The Detroit News is evolving in a highly competitive marketplace to reflect that an increasing number of readers want their information online. Beginning in early 2009, newsroom resources will be shifted toward our electronic products, while maintaining printed newspapers designed to serve the modern reader.

Printed newspapers will be available Monday through Saturday, as they are today. But only the Thursday and Friday newspapers will be home delivered. On other days, readers will be able to purchase the newspaper from retailers or newsstands and coin boxes, or they can view a complete electronic version online. This e-edition of the newspaper in layout form will be made available to home delivery subscribers. This e-edition looks like the print product and will allow subscribers to print the news stories, advertisements and coupons as they appear in the newspaper. You can access this edition for free by going to www.edetroitnews.com.
The printed newspaper will be more efficient and easier to use, designed to meet the needs of the modern reader who wants credible information on the go. The Thursday edition will be larger with the feel of a Sunday newspaper.
Meanwhile, detnews.com will be enhanced and expanded. The mobile news site for PDAs and cellular phones will be more comprehensive and easier to use. We will capitalize on technological advances to bring our readers The News when, where and how they want it.

Why are you making these changes?

As we said, reader habits are rapidly changing. While circulation of printed newspapers both in Detroit and across the nation is steadily falling, use of online newspaper Web sites is rising. Today, detnews.com attracts about 233,000 unique visitors each weekday, more than the number of those who buy the printed newspaper. Trends indicate that an overwhelming majority of consumers will turn to Web sites and digital devices for their news and information. The changes we are making also will enable us to remain competitive in the marketplace. The economic challenges of doing business in Michigan are no secret. We see this move as the best way to assure that Metro Detroit will continue to be served by two independent newspapers.

Will The Detroit News survive?

That's the point of this move. Very few communities in America are served by two competitive newspapers with equal resources for covering the news. Detroit, one of the best news towns in the nation, is fortunate to be one of them. We intend to keep it that way. The savings from these changes will allow The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press to continue publishing and serving Metro Detroit with top-quality journalism.

Why is the change being announced now?

We understand that this will be a big change for many of our readers. We wanted plenty of time to discuss our plans with you, and to get your feedback. For more information and to give us your thoughts, please visit www.detnews.com/transform. We welcome your ideas.

Will the advertising be affected? What about my weekend sale inserts?

Advertisers will have more options for reaching their customers, both in the printed newspaper and online. The larger Thursday newspaper will contain advertising that might typically be found in a Sunday newspaper. Research shows that Thursday is the beginning of the weekend for shoppers, and the new product will help them begin their planning. Weekend sale inserts will be distributed with both the Thursday edition of The Detroit News and the Sunday Free Press, which will be delivered to Detroit News home delivery subscribers.

Were other options explored for cutting costs?

This is about far more than cutting costs. But yes, we did consider other options, including cutting deeper into the operating budget. The Detroit News already has reduced expenses through staff buyouts and attrition and by adopting operating efficiencies. By making this move, we will maintain one of the largest newsgathering forces in the Midwest and will give Metro Detroit readers the comprehensive news coverage they deserve.

How will readership of The Detroit News be affected?

We truly hope to keep all of our current readers and to attract more. The new products, both print and online, will be very compelling and easy to use. Readers may get the news in a different way, but it still will be The Detroit News.

Will printed newspapers eventually disappear?

We don't think so. Some readers will always prefer the printed product. But every year more readers choose the Web site for their information, and we believe that trend will continue.

I don't have access to a computer and can't get out of the house. How do I get my News?

Mail subscription packages are available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. You can get more details from the circulation department, which assures us that mail-delivered newspapers should arrive in your mailbox the same day they are printed. For those who do not have access to the Internet, there are more than 18,000 convenient locations throughout Michigan where you can buy The Detroit News seven days a week. Some of these locations include Kroger, Meijer, Speedway, CVS Walgreens, 7-Eleven among others. The circulation department is always looking for new locations and welcomes your suggestions.

When will the changes to the newspapers and Web sites take place?

In the first quarter of 2009.

What reaction do you expect from advertisers? Have you received any indication that they are cutting back or adding to their schedules?

In anticipation of this change we spoke with national and local advertisers. Most applauded this transformative effort, which puts us in the forefront of our industry's plans to meet the changing needs of our customers.

Why were Thursday, Friday and Sunday selected as the days for home delivery?

Sunday is the largest newspaper of the week, with the highest readership. On Thursday and Friday, readers are increasingly using the newspapers to plan their weekends, one of the reasons the popular My Time entertainment sections were introduced. We also know from spending patterns and from discussions with advertisers that the widest distribution on these days is an important component of their sales and promotional strategies.

Why weren't the prices of home delivery increased to keep seven-day delivery?

Experience and reader feedback tell us that many readers would cancel their subscriptions if prices were raised, and there would not have been enough revenue to support our vast seven-day home delivery operations. In the past, advertising revenue has been strong enough to subsidize home delivery costs. This is no longer the case, and we do not see this changing in the future.

What will the newly-designed print editions be like?

This is still a work in progress. We'll share more with you as we approach implementing these changes. In the meantime, go to www.detnews.com/transform for status reports - and to provide your own thoughts and ideas.

How will these changes affect readership of The Detroit News?

Readership of newspapers across the country has for years been declining and Detroit is no different. Since 2002, the print edition of The Detroit News has lost 22% of its readership. These changes will more directly address the way audiences choose to receive news and information. Providing more robust digital options will ensure that the total readership of the News - in all formats - will grow.

Will The Detroit News continue its active support of community organizations?

Without a doubt. We are proud to serve the needs of Southeastern Michigan and will continue to inform, educate, donate and support the many worthy causes and charities in our communities.

My carrier has been delivering my newspaper for years; does this mean carriers will be out of work?

We will be offering new contracts to our carriers for their consideration.