The future of the Deseret News

Skip ahead: What's New?  |  Changes to Print Operations  |  Frequently Asked Questions



What’s New?

We’re expanding to meet our readers where they are, with timely online journalism, relevant weekly print and a monthly magazine.

Technology has changed the way we report the news. It’s also sped up the way we consume it. As print subscriptions continue to decline and more and more of our readers are electing to go online, we’re expanding our Deseret News offering, and will transition from daily print delivery to continued, up-to-the-minute online digital access, plus two new print products: a reimagined weekly newspaper and a new monthly news magazine.

An expanded weekly edition of the Deseret News

  • Behind-the-scenes perspectives
  • National news
  • Upcoming events
  • Delivery to your mailbox

Deseret: an all-new monthly magazine

  • In-depth journalism
  • Unique voices
  • Principled points of view

Email newsletters

  • Morning Edition
  • Afternoon Edition
  • Sports newsletters
  • And many more!

Weekly Church News

  • Inspiring stories
  • Church insights and updates
  • Messages from Church leaders and members

Online Church News

  • Timely news and insights
  • A user-friendly app — with alerts for breaking stories
  • Weekly email updates

Changes to print operations

On Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, the Deseret News and The Salt Lake Tribune confirmed they will not renew their joint operating agreement for print and delivery services.

With the rise of digital news consumption, and with an increasing number of readers now getting their news primarily online, the two newspapers independently determined to let the JOA expire at the end of its term, on December 31 of this year. Each newspaper has developed its own strategy for independent operations outside the JOA, including meeting its print needs and moving forward independently in today’s new environment.

Newspaper subscribers will continue to receive their newspapers, which now will be printed and delivered by The Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News independently. With the expiration of the JOA, the two newspapers also will no longer share solicitation of advertising or subscriptions, shared administrative services, or any other administrative functions.

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Questions? We’ve got answers.

Curious about why we’re replacing our daily print edition? Search for a topic below and find out why we’re expanding in a variety of exciting new formats.

What changes will I see in the Deseret News?

Early next year, the newspaper will transition from daily print delivery to two new print products: a reimagined weekly newspaper retaining the Deseret News moniker and a new monthly news magazine called Deseret. The Church News will continue in weekly print.

When exactly will the transition happen?

The transition to the new, weekly newsprint product begins at the beginning of the new year on January 1st. The first monthly magazine will follow a few weeks later.

Why switch from the daily print to the two new print products?

As the news industry continues to evolve, we want to continue to serve our print subscribers and improve our digital offerings for our growing number of online readers. In fact, for years now our digital distribution has dwarfed our print distribution. In just the past two years, our digital users have nearly doubled across various platforms and now 75 percent of them are from outside of Utah. This audience is roughly 500 times larger than our current local print distribution. Another way to look at it: Only 25% of print readers are daily subscribers, so only 25% of print readers will experience a change in delivery frequency.

Why are print subscriptions declining while digital journalism continues to grow?

It’s no secret that technology has sped up the way we access information. And as consumers spend more time with their mobile devices, and are looking to access trusted journalism wherever they are, it’s imperative that we continue to make our high-quality reporting available and accessible in a digital format. This is a big reason why we’re seeing print subscriptions continue to decline approximately 15% each year while email subscriptions have more than tripled in the last two years.

As a subscriber, what will I now receive? Will there be a price difference?

Your subscription will automatically convert to the newly redesigned weekly paper. You also will begin to receive the new monthly, in-depth news magazine called Deseret.

Information about pricing for these new products will be announced in the coming weeks.

What if I have a credit from a previous subscription?

If you have a credit from a previous subscription, the full amount will be applied to your account going forward.

What about my subscription to the Church News and National Edition?

Our out-of-state Church News/National Edition subscribers will continue to receive the Church News +  the newly redesigned weekly + the new Deseret magazine.

What if I want to change or cancel my subscription?

For any changes or questions about your subscription, please email service@utahmediagroup.com or call subscriber services at 801-204-6100.

What will change in Deseret News coverage and reporting?

While some are wringing their hands about the decline of newsprint, we have been busy reinventing for the future — informed by our long-standing heritage of faith, family and values. We will still be the standard bearer of quality news in Utah and beyond. And we will continue to elevate and illuminate our readers as we expand our journalism to meet them wherever they are.

How do I access daily news coverage?

The easiest way to access the Deseret News is online at Deseret.com. You can also download our free app.

How will these changes affect obituaries?

Obituaries will continue to be published daily online and each weekend in the weekly print edition.

You can purchase obituaries online or by calling 801-204-6240 or emailing obit@utahmediagroup.com.

Why did the Deseret News and The Salt Lake Tribune end their joint operating agreement?

On Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, the Deseret News and The Salt Lake Tribune confirmed they will not renew their joint operating agreement for print and delivery services.

With the rise of digital news consumption, and with an increasing number of readers now getting their news primarily online, the two newspapers independently determined to let the JOA expire at the end of its term, on December 31 of this year. Each newspaper has developed its own strategy for independent operations outside the JOA, including meeting its print needs and moving forward independently in today’s new environment.

Newspaper subscribers will continue to receive their newspapers, which now will be printed and delivered by The Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News independently. With the expiration of the JOA, the two newspapers also will no longer share solicitation of advertising or subscriptions, shared administrative services, or any other administrative functions.

More questions? Our customer service representatives are ready to assist you.

Call subscriber services at 801-204-6100 or email us at service@utahmediagroup.com.