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Newspaper invests more in online coverage as COVID-19 economic crisis worsens

In response to the economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington Daily News will begin next week publishing two print editions a week — a midweek edition on Wednesday and a weekend edition on Saturday.

While the Washington Daily News has seen record traffic to its website and new print subscribers, newspapers all over the world have experienced a decline in local advertising as non-essential businesses are closed and events are canceled.

“Informing our readers continues to be our top priority,” said Washington Daily News publisher Ashley Vansant. “The sharp increase in web traffic on TheWashingtonDailyNews.com proves that more readers are consuming news digitally than ever before. Reducing print frequency enables us to better align our resources, allowing our news team to focus their efforts on providing even stronger products in multiple formats.”

Readers will now be able to pick up a print copy of the Washington Daily News on Wednesdays and Saturdays with increased page numbers in each issue. Print and e-edition subscribers will receive the newspaper in their mailboxes or email inboxes on these days. Online coverage will continue daily at TheWashingtonDailyNews.com.

“Producing two print editions each week will allow our staff to create more robust, community-focused newspapers, with all of the content readers have been used to getting in their newspaper and more,” Vansant said.

The cost of a print subscription to the Washington Daily News, which includes unlimited access to TheWashingtonDailyNews.com, will remain the same. The cost of the newspaper in single copy locations will remain 50 cents on Wednesday and $1.00 on Saturday.

Subscribers who previously paid in advance will receive the number of issues they paid for, just over a longer period. If you have subscription-related questions, email us at circulation@thewashingtondailynews.com or call 252-946-2144 and choose the circulation option. A customer service representative will contact you.

“We remain committed to covering our community, including important news related to the COVID-19 pandemic and local steps toward recovery,” Vansant said. “In these uncertain times, we are as committed as ever to serving you, and sincerely appreciate your trust and support of the Washington Daily News.”