SC Times
By Gannett
SC Times is a regional news app for the St. Cloud community, providing local journalism and eNewspaper access on iOS and Android.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app serves as a digital bridge for print-edition readers to access breaking news and community updates while on the go.
For Local community members seeking regional news, sports coverage, and broader national journalism.
What does it look like?
Key features
Digital replica of print editions with access to USA TODAY and 200+ local publications. Revenue Link: Primary premium subscription gate.
Push alerts for breaking news and weather. Revenue Link: Drives daily active usage and ad inventory value.
Download stories for access without an active internet connection. Revenue Link: Reduces churn for commuters.
How much does it cost?
The freemium model uses a sampling gate to convert casual readers, but ad density in the paid tier is currently driving user frustration.
Velocity
Steady developmentShow more...
Who built it?
Gannett
13+ apps tracked · News
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Columbus Dispatch: Local NewsUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
The recent review mood reads upset. Users appreciate local news coverage provides a reliable source for staying informed while on the go, but report persistent login failures and authentication loops prevent access to paid subscriber content.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Local news coverage provides a reliable source for staying informed while on the go
- Persistent login failures and authentication loops prevent access to paid subscriber content
60 of 64 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Upset overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for SC Times
How's the News market?
SC Times competes in the regional news space, where its modern interface is currently undermined by authentication instability. The app's reliance on a freemium model requires high session reliability to convert casual readers, yet the current login loop prevents this conversion.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By BH Media Group
This app competes directly for the same regional news-consuming audience by offering a similar blend of local reporting and digital e-edition access.
- Offers a dedicated E-edition feature that provides a familiar print-like reading experience for legacy subscribers
- Includes a specific 'News+' subscription tier that creates a clearer value proposition for premium digital content
West Central TribuneContender
Brainerd DispatchContender
Rochester Post BulletinContender
Courier ExpressContenderUnlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for SC Times
Where is it heading?
The regional news market is consolidating around reliable, high-utility delivery, and SC Times is currently failing the reliability test. Unless the authentication flow is stabilized, the app will continue to lose its most loyal subscribers to regional competitors with higher stability ratings.
- Persistent login failures lock out paid subscribers, which directly erodes the subscription value proposition and accelerates churn.
- High ad density in the paid tier creates a value mismatch, leading to user requests for an ad-free experience.
The SWOT
- Gannett’s network integration enables consistent cross-platform content delivery
- Ad-free subscription tier addresses top subscriber request
Next best moves
Rebuild authentication flow because login loops are the #1 churn risk → increase subscriber retention
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's modern interface is a liability, not an asset…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Dedicated E-edition interface (available in Winston-Salem Journal but absent here)
Since the last report: The competitive assessment of SC Times shifted from a neutral observation of technical debt to a critical stance that identifies the app's modern interface as a liability. The primary change is the reversal of the contrarian take, which now frames the app's design as a mask for fundamental authentication failures.
Bottom line
Resolving the authentication loop is the only way to secure the subscriber base, as the current login failure prevents users from accessing the content they already pay for. Stability must be the priority to prevent further churn to regional rivals.
Unlock 1 critical friction, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is SC Times free to use?
How does SC Times compare to other local news apps?
Does SC Times have an ad-free subscription?
What are the best alternatives for local news in St. Cloud?
Sources
- [1] App Store
Report last updated