Gannett launching subscription model with direct access to sports reporters

Gannett, the parent company of USA Today, is launching a new service that gives subscribers direct access to its sports journalists. 

The new platform, dubbed “USA Today Sports+”, will offer unique features like SMS texting with reporters and columnists and live group chats, the company announced. 

The service will be available through desktop, mobile and the USA Today app, with subscriptions costing $4.99 per month or $29.99 for the year. 

The launch, which coincides with the start of the 2021 NFL and college football seasons, will only be available in seven select markets to start: Arizona, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin. 

“The amount of work put into this project is inspiring,” Sports+ managing editor Alicia DelGallo said, according to the outlet. “From my content team to the product, marketing, PR, growth, newsletters, augmented reality, podcast and video teams, along with editors and writers in local markets — the list goes on — it was a holistic collaboration unlike any I’ve seen before.” 

USA Today Sports also on Tuesday announced the hiring of veteran NFL reporter Josina Anderson, who was previously at ESPN. 

“Josina’s experience, leadership & deep knowledge of the league make her a perfect fit,” USA Today said in a tweet announcing her hiring.