• by Melynda Fuller , April 25, 2018

Last month, Google unveiled its new service Subscribe, making it easy for users to access and pay for premium journalism.

Yesterday, news company McClatchy -- which operates 29 newspapers in 14 states -- announced it is partnering with Subscribe to offer access to all its publications with one tap. McClatchy was an early development partner and the first launch partner with Subscribe.

McClatchy publishes the Miami Herald, Kansas City Star, Sacramento Bee and Charlotte Observer, among others.

When a Google user hits a pay wall, after accessing all free articles for the month on a McClatchy news site, a box will pop up allowing the reader to subscribe either directly with the local publication or through Google. Subscribe with Google allows users to pay with any accepted credit card.

In addition, when a reader subscribes to a McClatchy publication through Google, the search engine will prioritize any news related to the subject covered by other McClatchy publications. The results will rest at the top of the search results, without affecting the order.

Craig Forman, president and CEO of McClatchy, stated: "The importance of local news is gaining wider recognition, and we know first-hand the deep impact it can have in changing lives, improving communities and strengthening our democracy."

Google’s early Subscribe partners also include the Financial Times, The New York Times, The Telegraph and The Washington Post. The Financial Times and Washington Post were also early development partners, along with McClatchy. 

In addition to its partnership with Subscribe, McClatchy announced it will begin using the hashtag #ReadLocal across its social-media channels to raise awareness around local, independent journalism.