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In response to the economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, as well as the change in recent years as to how its readers consume community news and information, The Andalusia Star-News will begin publishing two print editions each week — on Wednesday and Saturday.

While the Andalusia Star-News has seen record traffic to its website, like all other newspapers across the country, has seen severe declines in advertising by local businesses as non-essential businesses are closed and events are canceled.

“No matter the medium or print publication frequency, informing our readers continues to be our top priority,” said Kendra Majors, publisher of the Star-News. “The sharp increase in web traffic on www.andalusiastarnews.com proves that more readers are consuming news digitally than ever before. Reducing print frequency enables us to meet our readers where they are and allows our news teams to focus their efforts on providing news online as it occurs.” 

Readers will now be able to pick up a print copy of the Andalusia Star-News on Wednesday and Saturday, with increased page numbers in each issue. Print and e-edition subscribers will receive the newspaper in their mailboxes or email inboxes on these days.

“Producing two print editions each week will allow our staff to create more robust, community-focused newspapers, with all of the content readers have been used to getting in their newspaper, and even more,” Majors said.

The cost of a subscription to The Star-News will remain the same. The cost of the newspaper in single copy locations will be 75 cents. The Star-News will continue to publish e-editions Tuesday, Thursday and Friday online. Those who have current print subscriptions can access the e-edition at no additional cost.

“We remain committed to covering all the news surrounding COVID-19 and how we recover as a community from this unprecedented pandemic,” Majors said. “In these uncertain times, we are as committed as ever to serving you, and sincerely appreciate your trust and support of The Andalusia Star-News.”