2012-12-20

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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

Keeping skies dark



Los Angeles County supervisors Michael Antonovich and Zev Yaroslavsky announced that the county’s Rural Outdoor Lighting District Ordinance became effective on Dec. 12. Also known as “Dark Skies,” the ordinance establishes outdoor lighting regulations and standards in certain unincorporated communities of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys. The regulations will permit reasonable amounts of outdoor […]

Samouhi bows out of election



Only four of the five applicants who filed papers to run in the March 2013 Calabasas municipal elections will be on the ballot. Challenger Liat Samouhi, like all candidates, needed 20 signatures to qualify for the race, but the Los Angeles County Registrar rejected eight of her 27 endorsements. Samouhi, a member of the Calabasas Environmental Commission, said she was […]

Agoura couple brings hope, medical training to distant lands

. Physician and his wife just completed a monthlong medical mission in West Africa


Physicians should always treat their patients with respect and compassion, says Dr. Neil Shocket of Agoura Hills. The doctor and his wife, Lori Justice-Shocket, recently completed a monthlong volunteer medical mission in West Africa with the global health education organization Project Hope. Founded in 1958, Project Hope—“Hope” is an acronym for Health Opportunities for People Everywhere—operates in 36 countries and […]

Local moms stuff stockings for troops abroad



Sagebrush to rock New Year’s



Tickets are on sale for Sagebrush Cantina’s New Year’s Eve celebration on Sat., Dec. 31 in Calabasas. The annual celebration takes place in the private party tent and features a gourmet buffet of salads, shrimp, salmon, jambalaya and prime rib. Guests will dance in the new year with The Neighbors and a midnight margarita toast. Tickets are $45 singles and […]

Familyfilm written, directed by Oak Park resident released on DVD




A family Christmas movie written and directed by Gregory Poppen, of Oak Park has been released on DVD. “Chilly Christmas,” is about 11-year-old Bobby Cole (Bryson Sams) and his friend Caps (Karan Brar), who attempt to teach Bobby’s dog, Chilly, to behave. The comedy follows the boys’ attempts to corral Chilly’s rambunctious spirit, acceptable at the beach but trouble in […]

Santa helps steer kids toward college



The story behind beloved Christmas traditions




While moms and dads meet beneath the mistletoe for a kiss on Christmas Eve, their children rush off to sleep, hoping to wake up early and find presents from Santa. Decorated fir trees, stockings hanging on mantles, and striped candy canes are just a few of the other images that always come to mind during the Christmas season. But have […]

Scouts build a bear for Casa Pacifica



Winter falls in Westlake