Daily News enters the New Year embracing change

The days of newspaper carries having to collect change from Daily News subscribers is about to come to end, while home delivery will continue, as of February 1st, payment now will be handled through the office as subscribers move to a pre paid system.

Just one of a few changes to come for 100 year old paper on the North Coast, also on the way will be coin boxes set up around the city so you can grab a daily whether it’s 4 in the afternoon, or 4 in the morning.

No word on if the current policy of free papers on Wednesday and Friday’s will continue, a system which seemed to cause the most problems for carriers (and more than a few regular subscribers) who suddenly saw their route load doubled or tripled at times.

As for the carriers, they apparently are going to be re-educated, which we hope doesn’t have the same ominous meaning that it does in oh, let’s say China. Hopefully, it’s a kinder, gentler re-education, leaving us with smiling happy paper carriers, cheerfully depositing the Daily developments in our mailboxes.

All the self promotion of "the superior quality" of the product that’s fit to print, could be found in Monday’s Daily News.

Daily News delivering vital changes
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Monday, January 07, 2008

Pages one and three

For almost 100 years, The Daily News carriers have proudly delivered local news to the doorsteps of Prince Rupert residents, and collected money from subscribers at their homes.

While the superior quality of our product will not be changing after a century, as of Feb. 1, 2008, paying the carrier at the door will come to an end. The Daily News is happy to now offer a pre-paid subscription service for all Prince Rupert residents, which will ensure the safety of all carriers, allow staff to track subscriptions more accurately, and no longer disturb subscribers at their door. This change will hopefully make life easier for all Daily News subscribers, and mark the first of several new initiatives in the circulation department of the newspaper.

"We will be having a carrier meeting to roll out our new initiative, our new 'Complaint Free' contests for them, as well as give carriers the opportunity to discuss any problems," said Tracy McCall, publisher of the Prince Rupert Daily News.

“Through re-educating our carriers on the importance of their job, and with our new approach to customer service I believe our paid subscribers will be very happy.”

Subscribers can now pay for their newspaper delivery in three- six – and 12 month increments in a number of ways. Customers can pay in cash or post-dated cheque at The Daily News office, by mail, or even have payment automatically taken off their credit card each month.

Another aspect of the new plan will include having coin boxes available throughout the city to give people access to The Daily News in more locations and even after retailer outlets may be closed.

“I’m really excited about the changes and the new plan that we’re going to roll out for our circulation department,” said McCall. “With the growth of the economy and the number of tourists coming through the Prince Rupert, the coin boxes will give everyone a chance to find out what’s going on in community.”

McCall and the rest of The Daily News staff are also happy to welcome back Dayle Alexcee in her new position as circulation manager.

Alexcee has great local connections throughout the community, and says she is happy to assume the new role and responsibilities.

“I just ask that the public be patient with me as I’m trying to get into the routine, so if you phone, I will get back to you and solve any problems that you may have,” said Alexcee.
“I’m confident 2008 will be a great year for The Daily News and our customers.”