Paid subscriptions using the word “free”
News media paid promotional programs
Applicable Rule: C 1.1 Paid Circulation
If part of a subscription term is promoted as free, the entire term of service is eligible as paid individual subscriptions if the following requirements are met:
- Promotional materials state the subscription term and frequency.
- The purchase price is at least one cent, net of considerations.
- Contract portion of the offer states the full-delivery term and purchase price of the subscription.
The contract portion of the solicitation is:
- The direct mail piece where the consumer chooses the purchase option (i.e., by checking a box).
- The order page on the Internet (or shopping cart summary).
- The point of verbal agreement in a telemarketing script or inbound call.
Notes:
- If part of a term is presented as free in easy pay offers, the promotional material must contain language that implies value to the free term.
- Copies presented or implied as free without the contractual statement of full term and price are only eligible as qualified home delivery address specific.
Examples:
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Buy or renew a Monday-Sunday subscription to The Gazette today at regular prices and get up to three extra months absolutely FREE! |
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Sign up for Easy Pay today and get your first month subscription to The Gazette absolutely FREE! |