Utne Reader hikes sub cost 50%: "pay for the journalism you value"

After 25 years in business, Utne Reader is making the bold move of increasing its prices dramatically. A one-year subscription goes up 50% to $29.95; the single copy price goes up 40% to $6.99.

"We're asking those who value quality journalism to support it," said Utne Reader's publisher and editorial director Bryan Welch [reported in Audience Development] in a statement, tapping the current backlash against free content. "We need to get out of the mindset that news and information should be free in every medium—especially among the independent media where the advertising dollar can be hard to come by."

The magazine, which is a bimonthly digest of original and reprinted content from independent media, is increasing its trim size to a standard 8.5 inches by 10 inches and will have a heavier cover and body stock.

The anniversary issue, September-October, is on newsstands today(August 25).