• by Melynda Fuller , June 11, 2020

Outside introduced a new contribution program this week aimed at supporting the more than 200 web exclusives it produces each month.

Outside editors wrote in a post: “We feel strongly that the stories we produce at Outside Online are distinct and valuable, a vital service our online readers should be willing to pay for. Simply put: giving it away without asking for anything in return is no longer sustainable — especially in the current economic environment.”

The brand’s website launched in 1995 and has continued to grow, offering readers access to long-form journalism, how-to explainers, gear reviews, videos, photography and informative graphics. That's in addition to eight newsletters, a podcast and social media channels.

“Outside’s distinct voice in digital journalism has never been more relevant or essential. In recent years, we’ve reported on groundbreaking research linking time in nature to improved mental and physical health and kept readers informed about the unprecedented threats to America’s public lands,” the editors wrote.

“If we’ve learned anything from our current times, it’s that nature is a necessity —a nd Outside Online’s award-winning coverage can help you access it,” they added.

As for its print magazine, Outside reported a 41% increase in its print audience, according to data from MRI’s fall 2019 study, with each issue reaching more than 3.4 million active readers. The magazine’s readers are said to have a median age of 42 and a median household income of around $91,000.