News Summary
A San Diego resident is alarmed by the steep increase in subscription prices for the Union-Tribune newspaper, specifically affecting elderly customers. Mike Bonk discovered that his 90-year-old mother’s monthly delivery cost soared from $136 to over $201 within a year without prior notification. Despite negotiating a lower price, Bonk stresses the need for transparency in billing practices, especially for vulnerable populations. The situation highlights ongoing challenges concerning affordability and communication from media companies amid rising operational costs.
San Diego – A local resident has raised concerns over a substantial increase in subscription prices for the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper that affects elderly customers. Mike Bonk, who manages the finances for his 90-year-old mother, discovered that the monthly cost for her daily home delivery subscription has surged by nearly $70 within the past year.
Bonk’s investigation into the billing revealed that the subscription price for her La Mesa delivery jumped from $136.49 in August 2024 to $149.51 by October. This increase was then followed by a steep hike to $201.59 in July 2025. Bonk noted that his mother received no advance notification regarding these price hikes, raising concerns about transparency and fairness, especially for vulnerable elderly subscribers.
In light of the situation, Bonk has made multiple attempts to reach out to the Union-Tribune for clarification on the price increases, utilizing various communication channels such as phone calls, emails, and even an in-person visit to a customer service office that was no longer in operation. Despite his efforts, he found communication with the company challenging.
Ultimately, after persistent engagement, Bonk was able to negotiate a reduction in his mother’s subscription charges to $149 per month. However, he still believes this price remains excessive compared to the initially quoted rates. It is noteworthy that the Union-Tribune’s own website promotes seven-day home delivery subscriptions at just $25 per month, with no alerts or indications regarding upcoming price increases.
A customer service representative from the Union-Tribune later indicated that operational expenses—including costs associated with transportation, newsprint supply, insurance, and labor—have been significant factors driving the increase in subscription pricing. The newspaper’s rising costs might reflect broader economic trends impacting media companies across the country.
Bonn and his spouse are particularly concerned about the implications of these increasing rates, urging a closer look at pricing practices for elderly consumers. They are advocating for transparency and fairness in billing, fearing that many older subscribers might not be aware of or may not challenge rapid subscription price increases, which can have a notable impact on their limited fixed incomes.
Bonk has urged fellow subscribers, especially the elderly, to keep a vigilant eye on their bills. He emphasized the necessity of being aware of changes in costs and advocating for their rights as consumers. With the frequency of price hikes in various sectors, there is a growing consensus regarding the importance of monitoring expenditures, ensuring that no undue financial burden is placed on those who may have difficulty managing their finances effectively.
The ongoing situation serves as a pertinent reminder for all consumers to remain informed about their subscriptions and the potential costs involved. As CBS 8 continues to await further comments from the Union-Tribune regarding the specifics of Bonk’s case and whether the recent billing might have been a mistake, the spotlight remains firmly on the need for transparent pricing practices and customer engagement.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 8: Man Challenges San Diego Union-Tribune’s Subscription Price Hike
- San Diego Union-Tribune: 5 Places to Eat, Drink and Explore in La Mesa
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Toddler Dies After Fall From Window in La Mesa
- Wikipedia: San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
