The proposed Periodicals rate increase, slated for July 2024, would be an almost 10% bump for community newspapers that are already paying high rates for subpar service.
If approved, this rate increase would mean that newspapers would be paying about50%moreforpostage than three years ago.
The USPS is allowed to raise rates without direct approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission, with only some review by the Commission for illegalities and errors. This is the second increase in 2024, following a pattern of twice-a-year price hikes under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy with his Delivering for America plan.
“This increase, though excessive, was not surprising,” National Newspaper Association Chair John Galer of The Journal- News in Hillsboro, Ill., said. “The model of continuing to raise rates while providing intensely bad service is becoming increasingly problematic for newspapers and our readers around the country.”
Galer continued, “Concerns about the ability of local newspapers to provide essential information to citizens during an election year is certainly part of this equation. The delays hinder our customers from receiving timely information.”
The Postal Service is driven by the recently developed Delivering for America plan introduced by DeJoy in 2021. The intention was to raise capital to help USPS compete for package and parcel business. Twice a year increases have been part of this plan that allows them to continue to raise prices under expanded rate authority granted by the Postal Regulatory Commission. The 2022 Postal Service Reform Act was expected to lighten the need for major price increases as Congress relieved some of the burden on USPS for retiree health benefits; however, under DeJoy, the benefits relief and the aggressive price increases have all been part of his plan to raise revenue.
Journalists across the nation planned to write to there representatives to express how this rate increases are punitive.
The stamp would also be subject to a rate increase, if approved. The cost of a fist-class mail Forever stamp will increase to 73 cents in July; an increase of a nickle. When first introduced in 2007, a Forever stamp was 41 cents.
“We will be forced to put this cost onto our subscribers,” stated Robin Wunderlich, editor of
“Over the last three years we have seen a huge increase from the USPS, as well as other vendors we utilize to produce our weekly edition; however, we have tried to absorb a portion of it. Unfortunately, it isn’t sustainable,” she continued.
The Eureka Herald was preparing to increase rates to gain some ground, before the USPS announced the proposal, last week.
If the proposal goes through, subscription rates will increase. Those wishing to take advantage of the rates currently may do so by renewing or purchasing a subscription at www.eurekaherald.com, calling 620-583-5721 or visiting the office at 822 E. River St, Ste, 100.
