Digital FAQ


The Chattanooga Times Free Press has converted daily print subscribers to digital replica delivery every day, and the print edition continues to be delivered on Sundays.

Our digital replica edition is available through either a mobile app or a web browser. For subscribers who don't have a mobile device, the Chattanooga Times Free Press will provide an iPad so that they can continue reading the daily newspaper.

These are FAQs readers are asking about regarding the switch to the new digital replica/iPad program..

Q: Can I see the digital replica edition now?

A: Yes. All seven-day-a-week subscribers already have access to a digital replica via our application for Apple iPad, iPhones and Android devices as part of your current home delivery subscription. You can also view it on your laptop or desktop by clicking on the "Today's Paper" link on timesfreepress.com. It is somewhat different than on a tablet, which many subscribers prefer. To access the edition, you simply establish an online account by creating a username and password. If you do not have a tablet of your own, we will provide an iPad with your subscription. You may call (423) 757-6262 to schedule an appointment


Q: When can I get my iPad?

A: All subscribers will be offered one when we get to your geographic area or neighborhood. If you have your own tablet, we will work with you in person to download the app and explain how to use it.


Q: How many iPads per subscription?

A: One. Subscribers will receive one iPad per paid subscription. However, subscribers may also access the replica paper using their own tablet, smartphone or computer. Each subscriber can access the Chattanooga Times Free Press on five different devices per household (e.g., an iPad, a phone, a laptop, etc.)


Q: Can I still do the puzzles?

A: Yes. As a matter of fact, the replica edition has a puzzles section with dozens of interactive puzzles. Or if you prefer, you can also print most of the puzzles to a home printer.


Q: What if I already have an iPad?

A: Subscribers can download the replica app on most personal devices. However, we strongly encourage you to let us show you all the features. In other markets, we have learned that those without these personal instructions often do not know some of the more popular features.


Q: When will my daily print delivery end?

A: Until we get to your neighborhood and offer you an iPad and training, we will continue your daily print edition. After that, we will continue delivering a printed Sunday newspaper.


Q: What if I don't know how to work an iPad?

A: Specially trained representatives of the Chattanooga Times Free Press will meet one-on-one with subscribers. Because of the covid-19 pandemic, we will do this with social distancing, either at a community center or hotel if possible, and if not, by going door-to-door. While six feet apart, we can explain all the features with the iPad in the hands of each subscriber, and you can ask any questions of our representatives. Other subscribers quickly learn how easy it is to use it after 15-20 minutes.


Q: What time is the online edition available?

A: Normally by 4 a.m.


Q: Can I have the print edition sent to me in the mail?

A: No.


Q: What if I have don't have internet access, or Wi-Fi?

A: You will need an internet connection to download the paper. You may already have one at your home. If not, and you have a smart phone with a cellular plan, you may be able to use the internet connection from your phone to the iPad. If not, there are places such as the public library, where you can go and download the newspaper onto your iPad.


Q: What about damages to the iPad? Who should I contact? Will the device be replaced?

A: We will provide a protective case to help keep the equipment safe from physical damage. We cannot be responsible for physical damage sustained to the equipment. The iPad is all solid state electronics so it is quite durable. Contact us at (423) 757-6262 for troubleshooting or for manufacturer's defects.


Q: My app icon on the desktop or my tablet/phone has a circle with a check mark inside. What does that mean?

A: The circle with the check mark in the center indicates an edition of the Chattanooga Times Free Press has been downloaded to your app and is ready for you to read. Normally the paper has been downloaded before you awaken in the morning.


Q: Where can I find out more about the app?

A: Learn more about our new app and many of its new features and also view video tutorials at https://www.timesfreepress.com/downloadapps/.


Q: Why are you switching to digital delivery, except for Sundays?

A: The decision to convert from print to a digital replica was necessary because of the declining economics of newspapers throughout America. In the past 15 years, newspaper ad revenues, their main source of revenues, are down more than 75%. During that time, over 2,100 newspapers have closed, including several in Tennessee. Many daily newspapers have become weeklies. This has required newspapers to primarily depend on subscription revenues to replace much of the lost ad revenues as well as significantly reduce their costs. Rather than reducing the number of pages of news, the days we publish, or the existing size of their news staff, the Chattanooga Times Free Press is choosing to reduce the print production and distribution costs instead.

We are convinced the only way for the Chattanooga Times Free Press to continue daily publication is with a digital replica edition delivered to tablets like iPads seven days a week, along with delivering the Sunday print edition.


Q: Will I have to pay extra to get an iPad with my subscription?

A: No. The iPad is included in the subscription price.


Q: What happens to the iPad if I discontinue my subscription?

A: You will need to return it to the newspaper in good condition so we can give it to another new subscriber.


Here's what one of our subscribers thinks about reading the digital edition on an iPad.

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