• by Ray Schultz , October 13, 2023

Local newspapers are facing a “punitive” postage increase, far above the proposed hikes for First Class and periodical mail, the National Newspaper Association has reported. The new rates would take effect on Jan. 21, 2024, according to an analysis by Focus Daily News, of Dallas. 

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed a 7.3% increase for in-county mail. In contrast, the regular periodical rate would be 1.59%. And First Class mail would go up by 1.9%. 

Gannett has moved several newspapers to postal delivery.

For instance, the Daily Telegram and other Michigan newspapers will this month start being delivered by the USPS.

“It certainly seems as if the postal service wants to discourage newspapers from using the mail,” says John Galer, chair of the National Newspaper Association, according to Focus Daily News. “At a time when local journalism is already in peril and more newspapers are using the mail to reach subscribers, this increase is simply punitive.” 

MediaPost was unable to get confirmation from the USPS at deadline.