What You Get With a Portland Press Herald Subscription
The Portland Press Herald is a daily newspaper based in Portland, Maine, owned by the Gannett Company. A subscription gives you access to news coverage of Maine politics, business, sports, and community events. The paper publishes in print and online, and your subscription type determines which format you receive and how often.
Print subscriptions arrive at your home on a schedule you choose — typically daily, weekends only, or a few days per week. Digital subscriptions let you read stories on the Press Herald website and through their mobile app without waiting for print delivery. Some subscription packages include both print and digital access together.
The paper covers local Maine news, national news, sports (especially high school and college athletics), and opinion columns. Subscribers also get access to archives of past articles and, depending on your plan, the ability to save articles or set up news alerts for topics you follow.
Key Takeaways
- Print subscriptions cost less per week than buying individual papers at a newsstand, with prices varying by how many days per week you want delivery.
- Digital-only subscriptions typically cost less than print but give you access only to the website and mobile app, not the physical newspaper.
- You can start, pause, or cancel your subscription through the Press Herald website or by calling their customer service line.
- The paper offers promotional rates for new subscribers, especially for digital access, though the regular price increases after the introductory period ends.
- Delivery and pricing vary slightly depending on your zip code and local carrier availability.
Print Subscription Options and Pricing
Print subscriptions are sold by delivery frequency. A seven-day subscription (Monday through Sunday) costs more per week than a weekend-only plan (Saturday and Sunday) or a partial-week plan (three or four days). Exact pricing depends on your location within Maine, because different carriers handle different areas and set their own rates within Gannett's framework.
You can request delivery to start on a specific date and pause it temporarily if you are away. If you miss a paper or it does not arrive, you can contact the Press Herald's customer service to report it and request a replacement or credit. Print subscribers also receive digital access to the website and app at no additional cost with most plans.
The paper is typically delivered early morning on weekdays and Saturday, and mid-morning on Sunday. Delivery time varies by neighborhood, so if you need it by a specific time for work or routine, ask the customer service team what time your area usually receives it.
Digital-Only Subscriptions and Online Access
A digital subscription lets you read Press Herald stories on their website and through the mobile app for iOS and Android. You log in with your email and password to access articles, and you can read an unlimited number of stories each month. Digital subscriptions typically cost less than print, especially if you take advantage of promotional rates for new subscribers.
Digital access includes the ability to customize your news feed, bookmark articles, and set up notifications for breaking news or specific topics. You can read on multiple devices — phone, tablet, and computer — using the same login. Some articles may be behind a paywall if you are not logged in, but subscribers see all content.
The Press Herald also offers a free tier with limited articles per month. If you hit that limit, you will be prompted to subscribe. This is a common setup for news websites and lets you sample the coverage before paying.
How to Start, Pause, or Cancel
To start a subscription, go to the Portland Press Herald website and look for the subscription or "Subscribe" button, usually at the top or bottom of the page. You will enter your email, create a password, choose your plan (print, digital, or both), and provide payment information. The subscription typically starts the next business day or on a date you specify.
To pause a subscription — for example, if you are traveling — log into your account online or call customer service. You can usually pause for up to four weeks at a time and resume without losing your account. To cancel, you can do the same through your online account or by phone. Most plans do not charge a cancellation fee, though you may lose any remaining balance if you cancel mid-billing cycle.
If you have trouble accessing your account or need to make changes, the Press Herald's customer service team can help. Contact information is usually listed on the website under "Contact Us" or "Customer Service."
Promotional Rates and How They Work
The Press Herald regularly offers introductory rates for new subscribers, especially for digital plans. These might be something like a very low price for the first month or two, then the regular rate afterward. The promotional period and the regular price are disclosed before you complete your purchase, so you know what you will pay after the promotion ends.
Promotional rates apply only to new subscribers or to people who have not had an active subscription in the past 30 to 90 days, depending on the offer. If you have been a subscriber recently and cancel, you may not be able to use a new-subscriber promotion right away. The terms of each promotion are shown on the subscription page when you sign up.
If you are a student or senior, ask customer service whether discounted rates are available. Some news organizations offer these, though not all do, and the Press Herald's current offerings can change.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay
If your payment method fails or your card expires, the Press Herald will usually send you a notice and give you a few days to update your payment information. During that time, your access may be paused but not immediately canceled. If you do not update your payment within the grace period, your subscription will be suspended and you will lose access to digital content and print delivery will stop.
You can reactivate a suspended subscription by logging in and updating your payment method. There is usually no penalty for reactivating, though you may have missed issues if you were on a print plan. If you want to cancel instead of reactivating, you can do that through your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get just the Sunday paper without a full subscription?
The Press Herald does not sell individual Sunday papers through subscription. You can buy single copies at newsstands and some retail locations, or you can set up a weekend-only subscription that includes Saturday and Sunday. A weekend plan is usually cheaper per week than buying two papers individually.
Does my subscription include access to other Gannett newspapers?
No. Your Portland Press Herald subscription covers only the Press Herald website, app, and print edition. Other Gannett newspapers (like USA Today) require separate subscriptions. Some news organizations offer bundle deals, but you would need to check the Press Herald's website to see if they currently offer one.
Can I change my subscription plan after I sign up?
Yes. Log into your account online and look for a "Manage Subscription" or "Plan" section. You can usually switch between print, digital, or a combination, or change your delivery frequency. Changes typically take effect on your next billing date. If you need help, customer service can make the change for you.
What if I move out of Maine?
If you move outside the Press Herald's delivery area, print delivery will not be available. You can keep your digital subscription and continue reading online and through the app from anywhere. If you move to a different part of Maine, contact customer service to update your address and confirm that print delivery is available in your new location.
Is there a student or military discount?
Some news organizations offer discounts for students and military members, but offerings vary. Contact the Press Herald's customer service directly to ask whether a discount is currently available and what documentation you would need to provide.