Why do I get the The Times-Picayune newspaper on Thursday without subscribing?
Hey Blake,
In my neighborhood on Thursdays, everybody gets a copy of The Times-Picayune newspaper, apparently just the social section, whether they want it or not. I assume this is citywide. What's the story with this?
David in the Marigny
Dear David,
The story is marketing. The Times-Picayune would like everyone, or at least every household, to get a copy of the paper every day, preferably by subscription. Since this is not the case, the paper tries to tempt potential subscribers by providing them with a free section of the paper once a week.
This section is called the Picayune and is regional or "zoned." This means that the version of Picayune delivered to you in the Marigny is not the same as the Picayune delivered in Metairie or on the West Bank. This part of the paper contains local news, advertisements and classified ads specific to your neighborhood.
Advertising is essential for all newspapers to stay in business. In the case of Gambit, you get the same version metro-wide — and you get it free, no "subscription" necessary.
