Monday, the Chronicle Herald sent notice to subscribers that it would soon start charging for its eight-times-monthly magazine, which has previously been a bonus for regular subscribers. But the charge for the magazine was going to be added to subscribers’ bills without their positive assent. To avoid the extra charge, subscribers would have to opt-out via an email link sent to them.
The Examiner called the paper out in a post that afternoon, noting that “the diabolical opt-out policy won’t win the paper any friends.”
Today, however, the Chronicle Herald apologizes for the policy, and says it will properly bill subscribers, allowing subscribers to decide for themselves if they want to pay for the magazine. “WE SINCERELY APOLOGIZE” wrote President & CEO Mark Lever inn all caps in an ad in today’s paper.
Main reason for change is that it is illegal in NS to have an opt out on an additional sale. This law was enacted after cable TV used an opt out option. Kevin McNamara
Thank you Tim for keeping them on their toes!! Even though I don’t subscribe to CH, I appreciate your efforts on behalf of us “regular folks”.
Great job, Tim, on the CH magazine issue.