When we started telling people that The Tribune would become free to read online, we heard two immediate reactions:

“That’s great news.”

…and

“Why would you do that?”

We want to respond to both and share what comes next.

First, you should know: You’re not simply part of our story. You’re the reason we can write this next chapter.

Again and again, this community has stepped up to support The Tribune. Your belief in independent journalism has made it possible for us to take a bold step forward, even knowing it comes with real financial risk.

When The Tribune became a nonprofit in 2019, we focused on rebuilding the foundation — creating a governing board, developing new ways to accept donations (yes, even crypto), and reshaping how we operate, including reducing print days to sustain the organization.

Then we turned to the journalism itself.

We expanded accountability and solutions reporting. We told more stories that reflect what it means to be a Utahn. We helped launch the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, bringing together more than a dozen newsrooms focused on saving the lake. And through the Utah News Collaborative, we worked to strengthen journalism across the entire state.

All of that has been in service of one idea: Essential news should reach everyone.

Now, we’re taking the next step.

In May, The Tribune will remove its paywall.

We believe trusted, independent journalism is a right — not a luxury. And at a time when misinformation spreads faster than ever, expanding access isn’t just important — it’s necessary.

But free to read does not mean free to produce. This model only works if readers like you continue to support it as donors.

We’ve spent two years preparing. We’re ready for this transition.

But we can’t do it without you.

How it will work

Starting in May, all newly published stories on sltrib.com and in the app will be free to read — no subscription required.

Additional benefits will be available to those who donate, including the e-edition version, the ability to comment and older stories in the archive.

As a current subscriber, you will automatically receive these additional benefits if you continue to support us at the same level you currently pay. When we make the shift you will continue to be charged at the same rate and frequency of your current subscription. The payment will then be a tax-deductible donation and you will receive a receipt acknowledging it. The charge will appear on your credit or debit card statement as The Salt Lake Tribune.

If you choose not to support us, we will make it very easy for you to opt out, with one click.

All subscribers will receive emails allowing them to make this choice closer to the transition.

As a thank you for those who continue to donate, donors can access even more benefits depending on your level of support — including early event access, behind-the-scenes content and Tribune swag.

Many of you have asked about print, which requires significant resources to produce and distribute. As such, print subscribers must continue to pay to receive it. The rate will be the same, with the added benefit that moving forward a portion of that payment will be tax deductible.

As part of the transition, you’ll be asked to log in and you may need to create a new password — a quick process, and we’ll have extra staff ready to help.

This is a big change. It’s also a necessary one.

The Tribune exists to tell stories others won’t. We hold power accountable and provide every Utahn with trustworthy and accurate information, not only those who can afford to access it.

If that mission matters to you, we’re asking you to stand with us and continue to support Utah’s independent newsroom today — so we can serve more people, more fully, for years to come.

Thanks, as always, for reading.