Reduced print circulation does not lower subscription cost

Since moving to Cedar Rapids in 1978, we have subscribed to The Gazette seven days a week. My sisters delivered the neighborhood Gazette route from 1978 to 1988. My brothers and I delivered The Des Moines Register and Waterloo Courier. Collectively, my siblings and I delivered daily newspapers for over 90 years.

I was saddened, but not surprised, with the announcement that home delivery will soon be only three days a week. After contacting The Gazette today, I am incredibly disappointed that our prepaid subscription for home delivery for 7 days a week will NOT be extended. Since the cost of an online subscription is half home delivery, it seems to me that The Gazette needs to adjust my subscription cost. $488 per year for paper delivered 3 days a week is outrageous!

The Gazette needs to recompute a more affordable subscription “combo” formula that factors in home delivery 3 days a week. There are subscription prices for weekday or weekend or Sunday only. Charging “full week” prices for a paper delivered 3 days a week is not fair and bad business. It is not the service we subscribed to.

Local newspapers are vital and essential to our community, country and democracy, and the subscription pricing needs to updated to reflect recent changes. I understand the financial pressures facing The Gazette. I am not asking for a refund — extending my subscription end date at a more reasonable rate will suffice.

Tammy Lutz

Cedar Rapids