Times subscription rates increase Feb. 1

The subscription rates for the Clarksville Times are going up slightly as of Feb. 1.

Managing Editor Lou Antonelli says the adjustment is needed as a result of increased costs, as well as the composition of the readership of the newspaper.

“If you buy the paper at the store every week for a year, that’s 75 cents times 52, or $39,” he said. “All out local subscription rates are a big savings over that.”

The current in-county basic rate, which is $34 a year, is being raised to $36.

Antonelli notes the rate of $24 for local senior citizens is a full ten dollars lower than the regular rate.

“And we probably have a majority of our paid mail subscriptions going to senior citizens,” he said. “We’re losing money at that rate.”

As a result, the senior citizens in-county rate in being raised to $28.

The rate increase goes in effect Feb. 1. Antonelli says anyone who renews – or subscribes – before then can do so at the current rate.

“Even if you have gotten a subscription notice with the new price on it, if you come in before Feb. 1, you can have the old price,” he said.

“We want people to have a chance to save a few bucks and give them a little time before the change kicks in,” said Antonelli. “You can renew even if your subscription hasn’t expired yet, and you can renew for multiple years if you want. If you want to lock in the old price for five years, that’s fine. We’ll extend your subscription until 2023.”

The senior citizen rate for out-of-county subscriptions is rising from $34 to $36, he said; the regular out-of-county rate remains at $42.

“We know our readers understand our need for money to cover costs and provide a quality product,” said Antonelli. “Your support is outstanding.”