Beginning May 2, The Daily Leader’s subscribers will receive their local news delivered right to their mailboxes. Customers will also be able to purchase copies of the newspaper at vending machines and in stores in the mornings.

The change to postal delivery is to improve efficiency, consistency and timeliness of delivery, and to position the newspaper to provide readers with news earlier in the day.

“We are proud to partner with the United States Postal Service for delivery,” said Luke Horton, publisher of The Daily Leader. “This will allow us same-day delivery directly into our customers’ mailboxes. So, whenever subscribers get their mail, they will receive that day’s edition of the newspaper.

“The postal service is the most efficient way to deliver the newspaper because they are already stopping at our customers’ households. This change will allow us to better serve our customers, maximize our investment in more local news coverage for the community, and improve our products as we work to grow readership.”

Mail delivery will begin with Tuesday’s edition.

“We appreciate all our newspaper carriers and those who have helped provide this service over the years. We value their hard work and their friendship.” Horton said. “We are working with each of them to make this a smooth transition for all involved.”

The Daily Leader, previously an afternoon newspaper, will be available in grocery stores, convenience markets and gas stations by 8 a.m. each day, or whenever the business opens. Newspaper vending machines will be stocked by 8 a.m. as well. The newspaper will continue to be published five days a week.

“These changes will  allow readers to get their newspaper earlier and provide our advertisers with a longer shelf life for each ad placement, along with measurable data and assurances their message is reaching thousands of readers each day in a consistent manner,” Horton said.

Readers will also get a jump on sales and making their shopping plans as the Sunday edition has been converted to a weekend edition that will be delivered on Saturday.

“We appreciate all of our readers and we will continue to place the highest priority on customer service and satisfaction,” Horton said.  “We are committed to offering the very best in fair and accurate local news coverage. These changes will only enhance our ability to meet the ever-changing and growing needs of our community.”