Columbus Dispatch: Local News v8.5.4

USA TODAY Co.

Contains ads • In-app purchases

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About this app

The Columbus Dispatch: Local News app aims to provide users with local and national news, photography, and video content, solving the problem of staying informed about current events for those in the Columbus area. This app benefits most those who value local news and are willing to navigate through ads and potential in-app purchases. Compared to alternatives in the News And Magazines category, it stands out with its focus on local content but falls short with its below-average user rating, indicating significant issues. Its lack of permissions is a notable aspect, suggesting minimal data collection, but the app's overall value is hindered by its low user rating and aggressive monetization model.

Pros

The app's focus on local news provides users with content that is highly relevant to their community, making it a valuable resource for those in the Columbus area.
With a developer like USA TODAY Co., there is an expectation of professional journalism and a wide range of news topics, which could attract users seeking diverse news sources.
The absence of permissions requests suggests that the app does not collect sensitive user data, which could be a significant advantage for privacy-conscious users.
The option for in-app purchases might allow users to access premium content or ad-free experiences, potentially enhancing their engagement with the app.
Given its small size and the lack of required permissions, the app might offer a lightweight and straightforward news reading experience.

Cons

The below-average user rating of 2.3/5 indicates significant issues with the app, possibly related to its performance, content quality, or user interface, which could deter potential users.
The presence of ads and the option for in-app purchases ranging from $19.99 to $69.99 per item might make the app's monetization model feel aggressive, potentially disrupting the user experience.
The limited download numbers and low total ratings suggest that the app may not have gained much traction or trust within the user community, which could impact its credibility.
The lack of detailed information about what the in-app purchases offer might confuse users and deter them from making a purchase, potentially limiting the app's revenue streams.

Best for: The ideal user for the Columbus Dispatch: Local News app is likely an individual living in or around Columbus, Ohio, who values local news and is comfortable navigating through an app with ads and potential in-app purchases, possibly having a moderate level of technical skill to manage these aspects effectively.

Developer Description

Local and national news, spectacular photography, and rich video content.

The Columbus Dispatch is your top source for breaking news in Columbus and Ohio. Stay informed with our in-depth coverage, timely updates, and comprehensive reporting on the stories that matter most to you. From local events to statewide issues, we are committed to delivering the news that impacts your community.
We’re here because we believe that local journalism is valuable – from simple things like weather reports that let you know you’ll need a jacket today to in-depth investigations and the latest news right on the app.

We’re our community’s trusted storytellers. We’re here for it.

WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT:
• Impactful insider coverage of Ohio politics that keeps your state, county and city governments in check.
• Journalism that makes our neighborhoods better by celebrating the good, solving the bad, and investigating the ugly.
• Unparalleled coverage on the latest news on growth and development in central Ohio, including Ohio's Intel Project.
• Sports coverage for locals, by locals, analyzing the Blue Jackets, the Crew, Ohio State University, and high school sports programs.
• Sports analysis from our reporters in the newsroom delivered via text message.
• App features like real-time alerts, challenging puzzles and lively podcasts, a personalized feed, the eNewspaper, and more.

APP FEATURES:
• Real-time breaking news alerts
• A personalized feed on the all-new For You page
• Lively podcasts with hosts who are connected to the pulse of our city
• The eNewspaper, a digital replica of our print newspaper

Subscription Information:
• The Columbus Dispatch app is free to download, and all users can access a sampling of free articles every month.
• Subscriptions are charged to your account at confirmation of purchase and automatically renew each month or year, unless turned off in your account settings at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. See "Subscription Support" in the app's Settings for more details and customer service contact information.

MORE INFORMATION:
• Privacy Policy: https://cm.dispatch.com/privacy/
• Terms of Service: https://cm.dispatch.com/terms/
• Questions or Comments: mobilesupport@gannett.com

Privacy

Given the app requests no permissions, it appears to be a relatively safe choice in terms of data privacy. However, users should still be cautious with in-app purchases and consider the value they receive for their money. It's also advisable to review the terms of service and privacy policy, if available, to understand any potential data collection or sharing practices.

Tips

To get the most out of the Columbus Dispatch: Local News app, users should first explore the various sections to familiarize themselves with the content offerings. They should also consider the benefits of in-app purchases if they find the free content valuable but are hindered by ads. For performance optimization, closing the app when not in use and checking for updates regularly can help ensure a smooth experience.

What's New

• Bug fixes: We've made some changes under the hood for a better user experience.

In-app purchases

$19.99 - $69.99 per item

Version Information

Version: 8.5.4
Downloads: 50K+
Updated on: Dec 8, 2025
Released: Mar 20, 2014
Requires: Android 8.0

Statistics

Google Play Rating History

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Average

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Rating Distribution

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Downloads Over Time

Columbus Dispatch: Local News has been downloaded times.

Total Downloads

Last 30 Days

Avg Daily Est.

Shaded area shows 30-day prediction based on historical trends

Historical data collection started recently. More data points will be available over time.

Columbus Dispatch: Local News - Google Play Rankings

Rank	Country	Category	List	Change
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No ranking data available yet. Rankings are updated daily.

#87 in Top Grossing News And Magazines in United States

#86

AA Grapevine

#87

Columbus Dispatch: Local News

#88

Des Moines Register

Columbus Dispatch: Local News users say on Google Play

★★★★★

Mary F Keller

I wish the enlargement of the article was more consistent. Too often I am not able to open the article. Also the ability to share or forward an article is difficult to use and is often not useable.

★★★★

Jim Sauer

great improvement! Credit where credit is due, the latest update to this app is great! I previously gave a one star review because of navigation issues. But my issues have been resolved and it's great now. Thank you to the developers!

★★★

Josue Outdoors

Although it's a subscription based app, you still have to deal with pop-up ads. That is very frustrating.

★★

Tara J. Brehmer

There is very little local news in the Dispatch nowadays and the interesting articles that I used to enjoy are all gone. Most of the news is something I already saw yesterday on TV. I do enjoy the comics and the occasional pictures of newborn zoo animals.

★

Amy

2nd review: App worked for about a month but now it's doing the same thing it was before. I'm logged in, app recognizes that I'm logged in but I can't access and read articles b/c of the pop-up in middle of screen telling me I need to subscribe or login. REALLY? Is it so hard to hire competent developers or is the cost too much? So freaking annoying. Time to cancel.