The local news subscriptions coming soon to the newspaper’s website illawarramercury.com.au will offer unrestricted around-the-clock online access to all of the local news, sport, opinion and community information produced by the Illawarra Mercury’s team of Wollongong-based journalists led by editor Julian O’Brien.
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Full website access will include the latest national news and sport, plus lifestyle and travel updates, as well as the option to receive breaking news alerts and regular e-newsletters direct to your inbox.
“We are the Illawarra’s go-to news source, and have been since first being published in 1855, making us one of Australia's oldest newspapers. Over that time our journalism has proven its essential role in the life of our city and the region,” Illawarra Mercury editor Julian O’Brien said.
“With more and more of our readers connecting with us online, the introduction of our local news subscriptions will allow us to boost our online journalism to meet the modern demands of the communities we serve.”
The launch date and details of subscription offers and prices will be announced in coming weeks.
“Through our new subscriptions, we will seek to foster greater community support for our local journalism which we know is deeply valued by our audiences for its essential role in keeping the Illawarra informed, entertained and connected,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The tremendous growth of our online audience in recent years shows the value our community sees in our journalism. By subscribing for online access, readers will be helping the Illawarra Mercury continue its mission to deliver the local journalism that our region trusts.
“Our commitment to be the voice of this region won’t change.”
The refresh last year of illawarramercury.com.au paved the way for the introduction of subscriptions.
“Our new site delivers a better reader experience and convenient access to the latest local news via your smartphone, tablet and desktop devices,” Mr O’Brien said.
Current subscribers who receive the digital e-edition of the Illawarra Mercury will continue to do so and will be contacted ahead of the new digital subscription launch date.
The Illawarra Mercury is part of Fairfax Media’s Australian Community Media (ACM) regional, rural and suburban publishing business - a network of hundreds of newspapers and websites stretching into every state and territory.
Local news subscriptions for digital access are being introduced at ACM’s local news websites in Victoria and Tasmania, and Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, following the successful launch of subscriptions at local news websites across south-west NSW.
