What you get with a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel subscription
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is Wisconsin's largest newspaper. A subscription gives you access to news, sports, business, and opinion coverage focused on Milwaukee and the surrounding region. The paper publishes daily in print and maintains a website with breaking news, archives, and subscriber-only content.
Subscription options include print-only (delivered to your home), digital-only (online access on any device), or a combination of both. Print subscriptions arrive seven days a week or on weekends only, depending on which plan you choose. Digital subscriptions work on computers, tablets, and phones through the Journal Sentinel's website and mobile app.
Subscribers also get access to the newspaper's archives going back decades, which is useful if you need to find older articles about Milwaukee history, local businesses, or past events. The digital edition lets you read the paper as it appears in print, page by page.
Key Takeaways
- Print subscriptions are delivered to your home seven days a week or weekends only; digital subscriptions work on any device with internet access.
- You can start, pause, or cancel your subscription through your online account or by calling the customer service number on your bill.
- The cost of a subscription varies depending on whether you choose print, digital, or both, and promotional rates are often lower than the standard price.
- If you have trouble logging in or accessing content, the Journal Sentinel's customer service team can reset your password or troubleshoot access issues.
- Your subscription account stores your payment method, delivery address, and notification preferences in one place.
How to start a subscription
Go to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's main website and look for the "Subscribe" button, usually located at the top or bottom of the page. You will see options for print, digital, or a combination package. Select the plan that fits your needs and the delivery frequency (daily or weekends only for print).
Enter your email address, create a password, and provide your payment information. For print delivery, you will also need to enter your home address. The website will show you the cost upfront, including any promotional discount if one is running. After you complete the purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with your account details and instructions for accessing digital content.
Print subscriptions typically begin within one to three business days. Digital access is usually immediate — you can log in and read right away. If you do not receive your first print edition or cannot log in to the digital edition, contact customer service using the phone number or email listed on your confirmation.
Managing your account and making changes
Log into your account on the Journal Sentinel website using your email and password. Your account dashboard shows your current plan, next billing date, payment method, and delivery address. From here you can update your address, change your payment method, or modify which days you want the paper delivered.
If you want to pause your subscription temporarily — for example, if you are traveling — you can do that through your account settings. Pausing stops your billing and delivery for the dates you choose, then automatically resumes on the date you set. You do not lose your account or login information when you pause.
To upgrade from digital-only to print-plus-digital, or to add weekend delivery, go to your account settings and select "Manage Plan." The system will show you the new price and any changes to your billing date. Changes usually take effect within one business day.
Canceling your subscription
You can cancel through your online account by going to settings and selecting "Cancel Subscription." The website will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discounted rate to stay. If you cancel, your access ends on your next billing date — you will not be charged again, but you will keep access until that date arrives.
If you prefer to cancel by phone, call the customer service number on your most recent bill. A representative can process the cancellation and answer questions about your account. Some subscribers have reported that calling results in retention offers (discounts to keep the subscription), so be clear about whether you want to cancel or negotiate a lower rate.
After cancellation, you lose access to the digital edition and subscriber-only content. Print delivery stops on your final billing date. Your account information is kept on file, so if you want to resubscribe later, you can log back in with your original email and password.
Troubleshooting login and access problems
If you cannot log in, click "Forgot Password" on the login page and enter your email address. The Journal Sentinel will send you a link to reset your password. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes. Once you reset your password, you should be able to log in on any device.
If you can log in but cannot read articles, you may have reached your monthly limit of free articles (if you are not a subscriber) or there may be a technical issue with your account. Try logging out, clearing your browser's cache, and logging back in. If the problem persists, contact customer service — they can check whether your subscription is active and your access is working correctly.
If you are trying to access the digital edition on the mobile app and it is not working, make sure you have downloaded the official Milwaukee Journal Sentinel app from your device's app store. Log in with the same email and password you use on the website. If the app still will not load your content, try uninstalling and reinstalling it.
Understanding your bill and payment
Your subscription bill appears on your credit card or bank account statement under the name of the Journal Sentinel's parent company, Gannett. The amount depends on your plan (print, digital, or both) and whether you are on a promotional rate or standard price. Promotional rates are usually lower and last for a set period — typically three to six months — then increase to the regular rate.
Your billing date is the same day each month (or week, if you chose a weekly plan). You can see your next billing date in your account settings. If you want to change your payment method, go to account settings and select "Billing" or "Payment Method." Changes take effect on your next billing date.
If you see a charge you do not recognize or believe you were charged twice, contact customer service right away with your account email and the date of the charge. They can review your account history and process a refund if there was an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Journal Sentinel on my phone without downloading the app?
Yes. You can log into the Journal Sentinel website on your phone's web browser using your email and password, and read articles there. The mobile app offers a similar experience but may load faster and work better offline. Both require an active subscription.
What happens if I move out of Wisconsin?
You can keep your digital subscription and read it anywhere. If you have a print subscription, you can update your delivery address in your account settings. Print delivery outside Wisconsin may cost more or may not be available in some areas — the website will tell you during checkout whether delivery is possible at your new address.
Is there a student discount?
The Journal Sentinel sometimes offers discounted rates for students, but availability and terms vary. Check the Subscribe page or contact customer service to ask about current student offers. You may need to provide proof of enrollment.
Can I gift a subscription to someone else?
The Journal Sentinel does not currently offer gift subscriptions through its website. However, you can contact customer service to ask whether they can set up a subscription for someone else or create a gift option. They may be able to help depending on what you need.
How do I download articles or save them to read later?
Most articles on the Journal Sentinel website can be printed or saved as a PDF using your browser's print function. Some content may also be saved through your account if the website offers a "Save Article" or bookmark feature. Check your account settings to see what options are available.