In Focus

The newspaper hasn’t changed, but the way mail is delivered has.

Each week, we get calls from people wondering why their newspapers are late or they never receive them. Recent changes in the Postal Service mean that mail delivery is more unpredictable, especially for rural newspapers. Even if a newspaper is printed, labeled, and sent to the post office on time, it doesn’t always arrive when expected. For one person, a newspaper mailed on Tuesday might come on Wednesday, but for another person, it might not arrive until the following Monday—even if they live close by.

This creates a tough situation for local newspapers. Readers often ask why their paper is late, and the answer is usually that it’s not our fault; it’s within the Postal Service system.

Many people rely on their local newspapers for important information, like city council meetings, school events, and community news. If the paper arrives late, so does the news.

This problem is worse in rural areas where internet access can be spotty for those who want to receive the paper via the internet e-edition, and many older residents prefer reading a physical newspaper to stay informed. And actually many of the rural elderly residents don’t even own a computer.

Local newspapers also deal with another issue: how people perceive delays. When delivery is slow, readers might blame the newspaper and can possibly cancel their subscriptions, even though it’s not the newspaper’s fault. Losing subscribers hurts local newspapers, which already have tight budgets.

Local newspapers are still doing their job: reporting the news, printing on time, and delivering papers to the post office. The problem arises after the newspapers leave our hands.

Reliable mail service is important, not just for newspapers, but for things like medication, bills, mail in ballots and other important documents that rural residents need every week.

People in rural Minnesota deserve good mail service. Readers deserve to get their newspapers on time, and local newspapers need a delivery system that works. Please continue to inform us of your newspaper delays. We can check the status of your subscription and make sure your address is accurate. If everything is current on our end, then you will need to call the Postal Service.

The news is important and it shouldn’t be delayed.

Several groups and officials are working to improve USPS service for rural communities and local newspapers. In Minnesota, Senator Amy Klobuchar is a strong supporter of reversing changes that have slowed newspaper delivery. She believes that delayed mail affects community newspapers and the people who rely on them. The Minnesota Newspaper Association and other organizations are also fighting for better mail service and against price increases that make it harder for weekly newspapers to survive.

Residents who want to help get better mail service can contact their elected officials and the Postal Service. If your newspaper is late or delivery is inconsistent, talk to your local post office. You can also file a complaint with USPS Customer Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or stop in to your local post office and talk to them directly.