2001-11-15

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Acorn online content now offered free

'Paywall' removed

The new millennium has been a transformative time for newspaper publishing.

Changing reader habits and the advent of new technology have placed big demands on companies in the print news business.

The Acorn and its parent company, Times Media Group, understand that their biggest responsibility is not only the delivery of credible, relevant information in a timely fashion, but making sure residents have easy access to the publication when stories become available.

That’s why we’re super excited about the news being shared today.

Following a five-year stretch in which Acorn readers were given the option of purchasing online subscriptions to the paper, that so-called “paywall” is coming down.

“Mr. Publisher, tear down this wall,” the late President Ronald Reagan might have once said.

And so we did.

Starting immediately, all online content from our five Acorn publications will be available at no charge to the reader, meaning a paid subscription is no longer required to click and read articles. The weekly Acorn has always been delivered to your driveway at no cost—that more than 40-year tradition will continue—and from now on The Acorn on the internet will be free as well.

Why the change?

The Acorn is your community newspaper, and we want to make sure it stays that way. We believe it’s important that residents feel a connection to the stories we write and also learn about the businesses that advertise in their community. The absence of a paywall is the best way to ensure this free-flow of information remains.

We also invite readers to sign up for the new, easy-to-read Acorn newspaper e-edition delivered weekly to your e-mail. Viewed on mobile, desktop or laptop, the pages are super easy to navigate and, free, just like the print paper.

Local journalism is first gear in the engine that drives America’s free press, and a free press it shall be.

Archives

Mystic Day generates money in cancer fight



FUTURE SHOCK—Card reader Ed Helin, above, points out what’s in store for Rhonda Kiff during a Mystic Day reading at the Hyatt Westlake on Saturday. Below, Beedee Meyer browses at one of the many vendor booths. Proceeds from the annual event go to the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation.

Calabasas resident built a reputation as a terrorism expert

Acorn Staff Writer

Calabasas resident built a reputation as a terrorism expert Nobody could have predicted an airplane crash into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, but Kenneth Solomon, a Calabasas resident and renowned anti-terrorism expert, always knew there was a possibility. Solomon, a 53-year-old former senior scientist at the Rand Corporation think tank in Santa Monica, prepared hundreds of studies dating […]

Lung Association shares information



The tragic events of Sept. 11 have changed the way we think about our health and safety here in America. Each new report about the anthrax virus has heightened fears about bioterrorism and caused some to stock up on antibiotics. At the American Lung Association of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, we understand these fears. Our organization has been working […]

Seatbelts, sober driving to be emhasized next weekend



Thanksgiving has always been one of the most dangerous holidays for motorists and their families, and this year is no exception. Despite the sharp drop in air and vehicle travel following the Sept. 11 attacks, holiday road travel is expected to bounce back, with only a 1.6 percent drop from last year, according to the Automobile Association of America (AAA). […]

Bush administration to change Blue ribbon program

Acorn Staff Writer


The 18-year-old Blue Ribbon Schools of America program has honored successful schools across the U.S. for nearly two decades, but President George W. Bush’s "No Child Left Behind" education plan will change its focus next year. Schools that dramatically improve student performance, especially in disproportionately disadvantaged areas, will be getting future recognition. As part of the Blue Ribbon awards ceremony […]

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AYSO settles volunteer referee dispute

Acorn Staff Writer

Following an uproar from parents and coaches, Region 4 AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) has reversed a controversial decision to ban teams from the playoffs that didn’t meet certain volunteer requirements. Two dozen angry parents attended last week’s regional board meeting and protested a new league rule specifying that teams failing to provide volunteer referees during the regular season wouldn’t […]

Oak Hills to celebrate a Blue Ribbon

Acorn Staff Writer

Representatives of Oak Hills Elementary School attended an awards’ ceremony in Washington, D.C. late last month recognizing the school’s achievements as a Blue Ribbon achiever with a special emphasis award in technology. A celebration at school tomorrow will honor students and teachers for their hard work. The celebration is to begin at 9 a.m. at the campus flagpole, and according […]

Autumn’s in the air MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn



Autumn’s in the air MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn GOLDEN MOMENT—Leaves throughout Conejo Valley-Las Virgenes are turning to autumn hues as this one at Hyatt Westlake Plaza colorfully shows. With rain earlier this week and fireplace temperatures at night, it’s abundantly clear: Thanksgiving is only a week away, and Hanukkah, winter and Christmas quickly follow. Next week’s Acorn will be distributed on […]

Election over but scars remain in Agoura Hills

Acorn Staff Writer

The Agoura Hills City Council met in the plush green chambers of the new city hall last night, the first meeting in the 17,000 square-foot government center since it opened in October. The place has changed but the faces are the same. Three incumbents returned to office following the Nov. 6 election: Denis Weber, Jeff Reinhardt and Mayor Ed Corridori. […]