Detroit Media Partnership Transform

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What changes are being made to the newspapers? To freep.com and detnews.com?

Home delivery will be available on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Subscribers will have access to an electronic "e-edition" seven days a week as part of their subscription. This "e-edition" allows you to see an exact copy of the newspaper - including all the advertising - on your computer. It can be printed, and will include many additional features such as the ability to change print size and search for specific content relevant to you. You can access these editions for free by going to www.edetroitnews.com and www.digitalfreepress.com.

On Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, retail outlets and coin boxes will sell the same editions home delivery subscribers receive. The other four days - Monday through Wednesday, and Saturday - we will produce innovative, newly-designed single copy editions. Both newspapers are finalizing their plans with input from readers. They will be available at 18,000 stores and coin boxes across Michigan in the first quarter of 2009.

Advertisers will continue to have the opportunity to reach readers of both the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News and their associated Web sites with customized advertising solutions.

Why is the change being made?

Economics. Advertising, including classified, is down. Costs are up. We are changing our model in order to survive in a world that has changed. We are listening to readers and advertisers, and responding to their changing habits and needs. The future of news and information delivery is electronic, and we are focusing our considerable resources - and Michigan's largest news-gathering staffs - on serving those changing needs, while also maintaining seven day newspapers.

Why is this change being announced so far in advance?

These two newspapers are a vital part of our community and an important part of our readers' daily lives. As we finalize plans during the weeks ahead, we wanted to give readers, advertisers and community leaders the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas.

Go to www.detroitmedia.com/transform for more information and to share your ideas.

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

Sunday is our 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 Play and My Time entertainment sections were introduced. There are also additional plans to make the Thursday and Friday editions even more valuable to readers and advertisers.

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 currently our largest newspaper of the week, with the highest readership. On Thursday and Friday, readers are increasingly using the newspapers to plan their weekends, and the Play and My Time entertainment sections are popular because of this trend. As we currently operate, 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.

What will the newly-designed print editions be like?

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

Will the changes affect the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News on the same timeline?

Yes.

How will these changes affect readership of the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News?

Readership of printed newspapers across the country has for years been declining and Detroit is no different. 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 Free Press and News - in all formats - will grow.

What about people who don't have access to the Internet?

For those who do not have access to the Internet, there are more than 18,000 convenient locations throughout Michigan where people can buy the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News seven days a week. Some of these locations include Kroger, Meijer, Speedway, CVS, Wal-greens, 7-11 and stores like them. The circulation department is always looking for new locations and welcomes your suggestions.

Mail subscription packages are also available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Will the Detroit Media Partnership as well as the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News continue their active support of community organizations?

Without a doubt. Each organization is 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.

How will these changes affect my current advertising contract?

Your account executive will be meeting with you about a revised agreement to sign prior to launch date of our exciting new products and business model, until then your existing contracts and rates will continue.

How are you going to transition from the existing pricing structure to the new rate structure?

You and your account executive will determine the best strategy for you and your business. For example: when the new rate or pricing conversion occurs for an advertiser; it is our intent to start on the first day of the month, so that your bill/invoice is easier to understand and read. The actual date may vary across advertisers or categories depending on the situation and/or transition timeline; however it should always occur with the start or first day of a month.

What about "short rates" or rebates?

At the time we launch our new business model all existing contracts will be adjusted to their earned level. We will not short-rate. At that time, we will also have a new agreement for you to sign that reflects your earned rate

Will my advertising bills/invoices change?

Yes. We have worked to make your bills shorter, clearer and easier to read. We will continue to honor any credits, make-goods, adjustments for any advertising prior to the launch of our new business model.

How will this affect my Observer& Eccentric bills/invoices?

These changes will not impact your Observer & Eccentric bills. You can continue to remit your payments the same way you have been.

Will payment options or electronic payments change?

No, nothing changes. All options will still be available and you can continue to remit your payments the same way you have been.

How will this affect my credit terms?

These changes do not affect your credit terms. Your credit terms remain the same. Please contact your account executive if you have not completed a credit application in the last two years and would like to discuss different credit terms with you.

During this transition will credit policies change?

No, our credit policies will remain the same. However, please contact your account executive if you have any questions or need information regarding our credit policies.