EDITORIAL: We will never hide behind a paywall

(Heartland Newsfeed) — Just in the past few weeks, a Central Illinois newspaper that has been in existence since the mid-to-late nineteenth century has made a transition; a transition from traditional print to digital with a paywall.

On May 28, 2020, the Shelbyville Daily Union, which has been in existence since May 1863, announced that they would make some changes. Among these changes was a significant shift from being a print publication to a digital publication. A paper that once had a daily circulation of 3,305 is now a digital publication with very few to no paywall subscribers.

It’s really sad that you cannot even read the May 28 announcement from publisher Darrell Lewis. Why not? They have an important announcement that is now hiding behind an $8 monthly paywall. There is no longer a free allotment of stories to view before having to pay. You actually have to pay to read their article, even if that’s all you want to see.

Heartland Newsfeed has been around since December 31, 2016. Never once have we ever resorted to putting our content behind a paywall. Nor do we have any interest in putting our content behind such a paywall.

Providing the news without the need for a paywall

We have a reputation for earning revenue without resorting to paywall tactics. Advertising services are available on our website, as well as on our sister radio network. We encourage financial support from readers in the form of cash. The same is also encouraged in the form of cryptocurrency. Both have options available via a variety of platforms. We even seek support from patrons on Patreon, with each level having their perks.

If you have ever watched our live streams, we do not require donations but appreciate anything we do receive.

There are ways to keep this publication online and profitable without forcing our loyal readership to pay a monthly fee. We strive to provide “the best news content, all the time”, and this mission continues as we provide the news you deserve without charging for access.

Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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