Business Development Manager at Los Angeles Times talked to Asbarez about the recently developed partnership between the two papers. ASBAREZ: Can you explain the new program recently launched between Asbarez and the Los Angeles Times? Barbie Oyama: It is a very simple program. Asbarez does not publish a Sunday newspaper as part of their subscription. So–for the next three months–they have arranged to have the Sunday Times included in the Asbarez subscription. As a special part of the three month program–Asbarez subscribers will receive the Sunday Times at No Additional Charge. ASB: Why is this program important to the Los Angeles Times? BO: This program helps The Times meet some very important objectives: a) we are able to help the Asbarez newspaper bring additional value to their subscribers. b) This is a unique way to introduce The Sunday Times to a community that may not be aware of all that it has to offer. There is tremendous value in our Sunday Times! c) We hope to increase circulation for both Asbarez and The Times through this joint effort. ASB: Why is this program important to the existing and potential subscribers? BO: Again–it’s all about value. The Times has over a million subscribers that currently enjoy our Sunday Times. There is something in it for everyone — award-winning journalism–wonderful sports and entertainment coverage–money-saving coupons and sale ads–and incredible Business–Real Estate and Classified sections that help readers with investmen’s–find their next home or car–and of course–give them up-to-date information about employment opportunities. The Sunday Times costs at least $1.50 in the racks and stores–and over $100 for an annual subscription. With this program–Asbarez subscribers receive it at No Additional Cost! This is a great program–and I hope more people take advantage of it. ASB: Why only three months? BO: As you might imagine–this is a huge investment for The Times–especially since there is no additional cost to the subscribers. At the same time–it is a very big step for Asbarez to try something new and innovative. We are talking about extending the program–but the deciding factor will be the response of the subscribers. If Asbarez receives many new subscribers and positive feedback from existing subscribers–we know we have a good program that is worth continuing. ASB: If I was already a Los Angeles Times subscriber–how will my billing be affected? BO: This question has a three-part answer–depending on whether you were a seven-day–Saturday-Sunday or Sunday-only Los Angeles Times subscriber. Either way–you won’t be charged by The Times for these promotional period Sundays.
Los Angeles Times Sunday-only subscribers: Your Sunday Times subscription is now a part of your Asbarez service plan. As a benefit to Asbarez subscribers–you will not be billed for Sunday Times delivery for this promotional period.
Los Angeles Times Saturday-Sunday subscribers: Because The Times does not have a Saturday only subscription available–you will continue to receive and be billed for your Saturday-Sunday subscription–and receive two Sunday Times newspapers. You may either choose to continue receiving a Saturday and two Sunday Times or you can contact Asbarez to convert to a 6-day Times subscription or Sunday only subscription.
Los Angeles Times seven-day Monday-Sunday subscribers: Your seven-day Times subscription will be re-classified as a 6-day Times subscription with a reduced six-day rate. Your Sunday subscription is now part of your Asbarez service plan–with the same bonus offer as other Asbarez subscribers of the Sunday Times at no additional charge during this promotional period. ASB: What are the regular subscription rates of the Los Angeles Times? BO: Standard Monday-Sunday home delivery service costs $4.85 per week. Standard Sunday-only home delivery service costs $2.00 per week. ASB: Can we subscribe to the Los Angeles Times Mon-Sat? BO: Yes–for a special rate as an Asbarez subscriber at a cost of $2.50 per week