Newsquest says as at mid November it had over 105,000 monthly paying digital subscribers (up from 101,000 in September), having launched a soft pay wall on most of its larger local news sites in 2020.
Online visitors to Newsquest sites can typically read up to 30 articles a month before paying, although a small number of articles are subscriber only, added the publisher. A digital subscription includes access to all the site’s content in an ad light environment as well as an e-edition of the print paper. Newsquest says some of its larger sites also now offer subscriber only newsletters.
According to the publisher the end of year subs campaign will employ a variety of marketing channels including out-of-home ads such as on-street digital billboards and leafleting in key Newsquest markets. There will be a particular focus on promoting Newsquest’s coverage of local football to local fans, who represent an important part of Newsquest’s subscriber base.
Leafleting will be conducted on key football match days outside the stadiums of teams covered by local newsrooms, added the publisher, including Ipswich Town FC, Norwich City FC, AFC Bournemouth, Bolton Wanderers FC, Watford FC, Blackburn Rovers FC, Wrexham AFC, Oxford United FC, and Swindon Town FC.
Newsquest says the campaign offers a special promotion: access to Newsquest's news sites for all of 2025 at just £25, with annual renewal at the standard rate thereafter. Additionally, a six-month trial is available for £6, renewing monthly at the standard rate thereafter.
A highlight of the campaign is the high-value prize draws, added the publisher, with a new winner drawn each week and a new prize revealed every Monday until the end of the year. Prizes include luxury one or two-night stays at The Langdale Hotel, The Gannet Inn St Ives, Warwick Castle, and Roseate House London. There will also be hospitality tickets to football matches throughout December, as well as exclusive memorabilia and experiences, such as a signed 1990 football shirt by Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne, and tickets to an evening with Alan Shearer.
Susanne Kinnaird, head of digital reader revenue for Newsquest, said: “The demand for digital subscriptions, which now sits at over 105,000, goes from strength to strength, and this campaign positions us strongly to continue growing our digital subscriptions into 2025 and beyond.
“At the same time, we’re also continuing to grow our overall digital audience, with page views to Newsquest sites running 9% up year on year. The data further underlines the phenomenal demand for trusted local news and the power of our local platforms which now typically reach more than 75% of local people each month.”
Newsquest publishes over 200 titles across the UK.
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