2014-02-13

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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

Life in the Single Lane



‘Bee My Valentine?’ Many single folks I know refer to Valentine’s Day as VD-Day, and even though that might sound like an homage to a disease, I guess nowadays it’s quite natural to shorten as many words and phrases as possible. I’m still trying to figure out what some of them mean, such as QAP, VBD and INCYDK. So forgive […]

Artist-in-resident sought for nature program



Artists of all kinds are invited to apply for an artist-in-residence program that seeks to connect young people to the Santa Monica Mountains. Artists are encouraged to attend an information session from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., Feb. 22 or Wed., Feb. 26 at the Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center, 26876 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas. “ We’re looking for […]

Players are stars of the diamond



Family Men



The call My 10-year-old son got his first real crush on a girl at school right in time for Valentine’s Day. Ah, that first crush—I remember mine. I was probably the same age. I never told a soul about it. The girl certainly never found out. My second crush was easier. My best friend got me the girl’s number. It […]

Details on program submissions



The Art in Public Places program was launched in 1989 to boost the aesthetic appeal of the Agoura Hills community. The program features a wide range of artwork, incorporating a variety of styles, themes and media. New commercial building projects that meet the minimum of 30,000 square feet, or any residential subdivision of at least 40 units, are required to […]

Map to showcase Agoura’s ‘hidden’ public arts collection




The best-kept secret in the city of Agoura Hills has been in plain sight for years. Artwork—abstract and realistic sculptures, paintings and other creations from the imaginations of local artists—is coming out of the shadows and into the spotlight without moving an inch. The Cultural Arts Council has created a map featuring artwork throughout the city in and near businesses, […]

Artistic talent you can bank on



Ready, willing and able

Young people with mental and physical challenges look for their place in the workforce. More doors are opening.

First of two parts As the economy continues to sputter, young adults with physical and mental special needs are among those who must work hard to find a job. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is more than double that of the able-bodied work force. But with the right kind of help […]

KCLU wins



National Public Radio station KCLU in Thousand Oaks won six awards from two regional broadcast news organizations. It was the biggest winner among radio stations with five or fewer news staff members at the recent Radio & Television News Association of Southern California’s 64th annual awards ceremony. Broadcast newsrooms in a region stretching from San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield to […]

Quilts for soldiers are sew right