Salt Lake Tribune to Remove Online Paywall in May, Shifting to Donation Model

The Salt Lake Tribune, Utah's largest newspaper and the first fully nonprofit newspaper in the United States, will eliminate its online paywall starting in May 2026. CEO and executive editor Lauren Gustus announced that all newly published stories on its website and app will become freely accessible, with no subscription required. This decision aims to broaden access to local journalism, which the paper views as a public right rather than a privilege, especially amid concerns about misinformation. Current digital subscribers will be automatically converted to monthly donors at their existing rate of $10 per month, though they can opt out. These donors will retain benefits such as commenting privileges, access to the e-edition, and exclusive entry to older articles. The Tribune generated approximately $2.6 million from digital subscriptions in 2025, accounting for 20% of its total revenue, which it plans to offset through increased donations. A trial indicated that 87% of subscribers agreed to continue as donors after learning the news would be free. The transition is supported by a $1 million pledge from a local couple, matched at 1.5 times. With about 32,166 digital and 7,716 print subscribers in a metropolitan area of 2.7 million people, the paper positions itself as a civic institution rather than a mass media enterprise, offering insights for other news organizations.