The Ocala Star-Banner will change print delivery frequency beginning March 26 in response to the rapid shift by our readers who choose to get more of their news online.

The Star-Banner will no longer print or deliver Saturday editions. Instead subscribers will receive a full digital replica of the newspaper that day, filled with local news, advertising and features such as comics and puzzles. Our Saturday digital replica, or e-Edition, will have the same look and news as the printed newspaper.

This delivery change means subscribers will get newspapers delivered to their home six days a week, with a digital newspaper available every day. The Star-Banner is part of the USA TODAY Network, and the change being announced today also is taking place at numerous other publications in the network.

“An average of more than 400,000 viewers come to ocala.com and our app every month and those digital platforms continue to grow,” said Executive Editor Douglas Ray. “Last year, our digital subscriptions more than doubled. While we remain committed to delivering printed newspapers to those who prefer that, clearly most of those engaging with us do so online. Our future is digital, and that is where we are investing more of our focus."

As part of the change, Star-Banner subscribers will receive access to the USA TODAY Network’s full suite of e-Editions across the country — including those produced by most of the daily newspapers in Florida — as well as ad-free access to the USA TODAY Crossword puzzle. The e-Edition also has some additional features, such as the ability to clip and share articles with friends and family and adjust the text size.

All subscribers have full digital access, meaning they have the ability to read news updates throughout the day, subscriber-only stories and video and audio features, among other benefits. Subscribers also have 24/7 access to obituaries, legal notices, and classifieds on our website.

News and sales staffing will not change as a result of the delivery change. However, those staffs will be even better aligned toward digital news delivery.

“Our commitment to local journalism is unchanged as we evolve to meet the changing habits of readers,” Ray said. “Our business relies now more than ever on your support through subscriptions.”

Delivery times for the other days of the week will remain unchanged.

Anyone with questions about the change can access their account at account.ocala.com or call customer service at 1-800-443-9493.