Subscription packages will include unrestricted around-the-clock access to areanews.com.au and all of the local news, sport, opinion and community information produced by the Griffith-based team of Area News  journalists led by editor Ben Jones.

Access to the latest national news and sport, as well as breaking news alerts and regular e-newsletters will also be included.

“The Area News has a proud tradition of providing the journalism and essential community information that Griffith and the surrounding region trust,” Mr Jones said.

“With readers increasingly accessing our content online, local news subscriptions will allow us to boost our online journalism to meet the modern demands of our audience and the communities we serve.”

The launch date and full details of subscription offers, including prices and premium options, will be announced in coming weeks.

“With our new subscriptions, we will seek to foster greater community support for our local journalism which keeps Griffith informed, entertained and connected,” Mr Jones said.

“The growth of our digital audience shows the value the community sees in our journalism. By subscribing for online access, readers will be helping The Area News continue its mission to serve Griffith and the MIA.”

The refresh last year of areanews.com.au paved the way for the introduction of subscriptions. The new-look site delivers a better reader experience and convenient access to the latest local news on smartphone, tablet and desktop.

The print edition of The Area News is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It covers news, sport and community events in Griffith,  Ardlethan, Coleambally, Cudgel, Darlington Point, Deniliquin, Hay, Hillston, Jerilderie, Lake Cargellica, Lake Cargellico, Leeton, Lockhart, Narrandera, Tallimba, Ungarie, West Wyalong, Whitton, Yanco and Yenda.

Its local journalists use the latest in newspaper and website publishing technology allowing news to be published immediately online from the field.

The Area News is part of Fairfax Media’s Australian Community Media (ACM) regional, rural and suburban publishing business - a network of hundreds of newspapers and websites stretching into every state and territory.

New subscription offerings are being introduced across eight ACM titles in south-west NSW, including The Daily Advertiser in Wagga. No decisions have been made relating to other ACM mastheads.