For more than 100 years, the Star-Telegram has been the most reliable source of news and information in our region. We've worked hard to maintain that trust, even as the world around us has changed dramatically.
How we communicate has also changed, much more rapidly in the past 10 years than in the entire first 90.From its 1906 beginnings in a cramped one-room building in downtown Fort Worth that housed a small printing press, the Star-Telegram grew into what at one time was the largest circulation paper in Texas. Founder Amon Carter Sr. also introduced both radio and television to North Texas.But our newspaper's reach was limited to geographic delivery areas - places the trucks could go.All that has changed. Today, we're part of a world that has few boundaries. Communication is global, with a focus on 24/7 reporting. The Star-Telegram has continued to adapt, adding new ways of delivering news and advertising information, and we now engage readers on multiple digital platforms -- desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone.In the past week, nearly 350,000 adults used the Star-Telegram's digital platforms and more than 900,000 read the printed newspaper.Today, we unveil the latest iteration of the Star-Telegram ... Star-Telegram Plus.Because our readers want more news on more platforms than ever before, we are introducing new multi-platform subscription plans that give you all the news you want, when and how you want it. We are not the first to do this - in fact, more than 300 newspapers around the country charge for online content, including the Los Angeles Times, The Dallas Morning News and Orlando Sentinel.Starting Sept. 4, our digital content will become part of our subscription packages. You will receive access to all the Star-Telegram platforms at no additional cost until your current subscription expires.Upon renewal, subscribers will receive multi-platform access for $1.99 per month, while non-subscribers will pay $6.95 per month for full access to our digital content. I encourage subscribers to activate their digital accounts on Sept. 4, but if you don't want full access, you can opt out of the multi-platform plan without the additional fee when your subscription renews.Our platforms include a digital replica of the printed Star-Telegram that is easy to navigate and available on your desktop, laptop or tablet. New users can access that e-edition starting Sept 12.Digital subscribers will have access to content that is updated throughout the 24-hour news cycle, including popular blogs, videos, photo galleries and databases that are not available in print. You will also have the opportunity to weigh in on civic affairs through polls and online comments.When you're on the go, our smartphone apps will keep you up to date on the latest news and information.Over the next few weeks, you'll see more information about our changes, including a Q&A on our website. Executive Editor Jim Witt will answer any questions that come up over the next week as part of his column in the Sunday, Sept. 2, newspaper.Thanks for reading the Star-Telegram. We remain committed to producing reliable, trustworthy content that makes a difference in your lives.Gary Wortel is president and publisher of the Star-Telegram.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
