SFGATE Launches “Friends of SFGATE,” Its First Premium Program & New App Experience

SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, 2026 - SFGATE today announced the launch of Friends of SFGATE, the first premium program in the brand's history, introducing a new way for readers to deepen their connection to one of California's most widely read digital media platforms.

Each month, more than 8 million readers turn to SFGATE for coverage spanning breaking news, culture, travel, food and uniquely Californian storytelling. The new offering is designed to enhance that experience through exclusive features, early access opportunities and a newly launched mobile app.

"People don't come to SFGATE just to catch up on the news," said Grant Marek, editor-in-chief of SFGATE. "They come looking for their next great meal, their next road trip, the story everyone will be talking about tomorrow or simply to better understand California. Our readers have made SFGATE part of their daily lives, and inviting them to become a Friend of SFGATE lets us give something back. It's a better way to read SFGATE, a new way to experience California and a chance to connect with the newsroom beyond the screen."

The Friends of SFGATE premium program is priced at $4.99 per month, with a seven-day free trial, and introduces a suite of benefits designed to enhance reader engagement, including:

• Ad-free reading in the new SFGATE app
• Story bookmarking for easy access to saved content
• Interactive maps and curated local guides
• Early access to exclusive SFGATE events and experiences

The launch of Friends of SFGATE will not affect access to SFGATE.com, which will remain free to all users, continuing the publication's mission to deliver accessible, high-quality journalism to a broad digital audience.

"The relationship people have with SFGATE has grown far beyond a website," said Bill Nagel, publisher of SFGATE. "Millions of readers already turn to us every month to help them understand California and figure out where to go, what to do and what's worth paying attention to. The Friends of SFGATE premium program lets us build on that relationship with people who love this brand most. The app is where it starts, but it's far from where it ends."

The launch reflects Hearst Newspapers' continued investment in innovative products and experiences that extend the impact of its journalism and strengthen its connection with readers.

Readers can learn more about Friends of SFGATE, sign up and download the app (available on both iOS and Android) at SFGATE.com/Friend.

About SFGATE
SFGATE is a leading digital media brand covering California news, culture, travel and entertainment, reaching more than 8 million monthly readers with distinctive, high-impact storytelling.

About Hearst Newspapers
Hearst Newspapers (HNP) is the operating group responsible for Hearst's newspapers, local digital marketing services businesses and directories. With more than 2,500 colleagues across the nation, HNP publishes 30 dailies and 50 weeklies. HNP is investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories - expanding newsrooms and evolving platforms - to serve the 45 million readers a month who rely on its content to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired. From AI-powered newsroom tools to smarter sales strategies, HNP teams are putting innovation to work - enhancing experiences for both readers and employees.

Media Contact
Paul Luthringer, (212) 649-2540, [email protected]