100 Top News & Media Companies

What to check before you subscribe to a news or media service

Media subscriptions are cheap one at a time and expensive together. The common complaints in this category are about price rises after an introductory offer, difficult cancellations and content that disappears. A little checking at sign-up avoids most of that.

Subscription terms

• Introductory pricing: a low first-month or first-year price usually rises automatically. Find the full price and the date it starts.
• Cancellation route: some publishers allow online cancellation; others ask you to call. Reviews often say which.
• Bundles and family plans: check who can share the account and how many devices can stream at once.
• Price changes: streaming and news services do raise prices. They should tell you in advance, giving you time to cancel.

What you are actually buying

With many e-books, films and music downloads, you buy a licence to use the content on a platform, not a copy you own outright. If the service closes or loses the rights, your access can change. Video and music catalogs also differ by country, so a title advertised in one region may not be available in yours.

Judging a news source

Look for a named publisher, an editorial team with real names, a corrections policy and a way to contact the newsroom. Sites that hide who runs them, or that mix advertising with articles without labeling it, give you less reason to rely on what they say. On CandorRated, a publisher's page shows who appears to run the site, the age of its domain and the contact details we found.

Common problems and how to avoid them

• Charged after a free trial: set a reminder a few days before the trial ends.
• Heavy ads and pop-ups: some free media sites carry aggressive advertising that can lead to misleading downloads. Avoid installing anything a pop-up asks for.
• Unofficial streaming or download sites: these may carry malware, and using them can break copyright rules where you live.
• Account sharing crackdowns: read the sharing rules before giving your login to anyone outside your household.

You can filter this list by country to see publishers and services aimed at your region.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a refund on a newspaper or streaming subscription?

That is set by each provider's terms and by local consumer law. Many stop future billing but do not refund the current period, so cancel before the renewal date.

Why can't I watch a show the service advertises?

Streaming rights are often sold country by country. The title may be licensed to a different service where you live.

Do I own the e-books I buy?

Usually you own a licence to read them on that platform. Check the store's terms for what happens if your account closes.