SUBSCRIPTION RATES TO INCREASE OCT. 1

Subscription rates for all home-delivery and mail subscribers of the Southeast Missourian will be raised effective Oct. 1, it was announced today by Mark Kneer, circulation director.

The increase is due, in part, to the fact that the price of newsprint will have increased by one-third during 1994.

"Newsprint is our highest expense item next to payroll, so when we experience an increase like this we have to react," Kneer said.

The rate increase also comes at a time when many improvements are being made in the content of the newspaper: More local news, more color, an expanded sports section and more features. Plans are to increase regional news in the near future and add a copy desk as was discussed in a recent column.

The higher subscription rates make the average cost of home delivery about 36 cents a day, tax included. Monthly subscribers currently pay $9.74, and the price will increase to $10 every four weeks. Subscribers who pay a year in advance after Oct. 1 will pay about 33 cents a day.

All subscribers will have an opportunity to renew for up to a full year at the current rate before the increase takes effect. Subscribers' current expiration dates will be unaffected by the rate increase.

Newsstand rates will remain at 50 cents Monday through Saturday and $1.25 on Sunday.