Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Hearst Connecticut Media Group's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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• 

  Hearst Connecticut Media Group

  301 Merritt 7 Ste 1 Norwalk, CT 06851-1051

  
• 

  Hearst Connecticut Media Group

  500 South Broad Street Meriden, CT 06450

  
• 

  Hearst Connecticut Media Group

  306 Progress Dr. Manchester, CT 06040

  

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/02/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I discovered that “ Hearst CT Media has been withdrawing money from my bank account. I don’t know what this charge is for. This company took 4 payments from my bank. The following are the dates and the amount:
  
  Charge # 1 HEARST CT MEDIA
  07/02/2025
  -$19.96
  
  Charge #2 HEARST ** MEDIA WWW.NHREGISTE
  06/04/2025
  -$19.96
  Posted
  
  Charge # 3 OVERDRAFT FEE -HEARST ** MEDIA WW
  05/08/2025
  -$15.00
  Posted
  
  Charge # 4 HEARST ** MEDIA WWW.NHREGISTE
  05/07/2025
  -$19.96
  
  
  This need to stop and I want my money back immediately.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/08/2025

  To whom It May concern,

  These charges are for an account started via online on 7/30/203 for the New Haven Register digital version. we did reach out to the customer w/ direct contact information so that we can discuss the account.

  thank you.

  Jessica

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/17/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Hearst Media has been charging my debit card since last year. Since January, I have been trying to contact them via email as their website states. When email their customer service department, I was told they were “unable to find my account” and would need to provide additional information, including my debit card number. Once I was able to find a phone number, the manager said I was emailing the wrong department and all she could do was cancel my subscription and refund the current month. I explained that I did not know what the subscription was, until I called.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/08/2025

  To Whom It May concern:

  I reached out to the customer regarding the complaint, I did let them have all details.

  thank you,
  Jessica

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/13/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I subscribed to the Shelton Herald for $0.25 for 3 months with a recurring fee after. I tried to cancel the subscription, but there is no one-click option as mandated by the ***. I had to call and took more than 20 minute to speak to a person who would not cancel the subscription because they said it hadn’t started yet. I was charged already and they are forcing me to call back in a week to cancel then.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/30/2025

  To Whom It May Concern: 

  My team reached out to the customer and left their direct contact information. we will handle once we speak to the subscriber.

  Thank you,

  Jessica

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/28/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 5/28/25 I was charged $19.96 on my debit card by Hearst CT Media. I have no idea what this charge is and did not sign up for any subscriptions. I want a refund as I did not sign up for this. I attempted to contact Hearst and was unable to get through to anyone.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/18/2025

  To whom It may concern, 

  My inhouse team has reached out to the customer and no one has gotten back. Please let us know what the customer would like us to do. 

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/02/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  What a scam! Since hiring Hearst 16 months ago, I have been charged $1500/m for SEO services. They set clear expectations as to what was included, but they failed to deliver on the key SEO strategies they were paid to complete. I thought I could trust Hearst with my SEO because they are a big company, but after 16 months, it's one of the worst business decisions I have ever made. They produced 0 results whatsoever and lied their way through this business agreement to milk me for as much money as possible before I cancelled. I am not sure if this company is negligent or incompetent, but I would never recommend this service to anyone.
  
  Specifically, backlinking—a core element of SEO that was explicitly discussed and confirmed—was never delivered.
  
  January 17, 2024: On our onboarding call, Hearst explains the importance of backlinking as an essential SEO strategy:
  “So one of the strategies towards any good SEO program is something called authoritative external backlinking...”
  
  January 17, 2024: When asked directly if backlinks are included in the SEO package, Hearst responded:
  “Yes... we're going to build up authoritative external backlinking.”
  
  April 16, 2025: When I cancelled due to unfulfilled services, Hearst representative contradicts this and states:
  “Backlinking is not a strategy for us.”
  
  This is a clear misrepresentation of services and a failure to deliver what was promised.
  
  In addition, Hearst's statement of work states that appropriate H1 and H2 tags were implemented on our homepage. However, this is demonstrably false.
  
  Our homepage lacks an H1 tag entirely and contains irrelevant tag structures (a basic SEO strategy that should have been implemented from day 1).
  
  After nearly 16 months of SEO work, there is little more than an aesthetic website to show for it. This company misled me, lied to me, and failed to complete the services they promised.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/02/2025

  Better Business Bureau,

  
  This customer has contracted with Hearst
  Connecticut Media Group *************************************************************************************************) and not Hearst Media Services * *********. These
  are different entities. The two individuals they provided sound bites from are
  employees of that affiliate and not of Hearst Media Services * *********. Any
  resolution, financial or otherwise, would be worked with that organization and
  not the company associated with this BBB listing.

  
  I would encourage the customer to continue to take up dialog
  directly with Hearst Connecticut Media Group on their account, as Hearst Media
  Services * ********* has no influence over the financial terms on this customer’s
  agreement with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Nor do we have visibility into
  the customer experience dedicated to this account.
  

  This BBB profile is not the selling group to the customer’s
  account. While our teams do fulfill SEO campaigns, we do not commit to exact tactics
  with our accounts, as these are selectively determined based on the individual
  needs of each account.
  

  Sincerely,
  Hearst Media Services * ********* Customer Care

  Business Response

  Date: 05/06/2025

  To Whom It May Concern, this is not a circulation issue, I forwarded it to the appropriate department.

  Thank you.
  Jessica

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/29/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On Oct 22, 2024, I ordered the promotional pricing for the digital version of ********* ***** at $.99/week. (confirmation is 1st attachment). I knew I would cancel prior to the promotional period ending, and placed a reminder in my ****** calendar to cancel the order on April 2, 2025. On April 2, I called Hearst Media to cancel my order, a full 3 weeks prior to the end of promotion period. (see proof of phone call in 2nd attachment).
  
  I just got billed on my AMEX statement on April 12th from Hearst Media for $19.96. I contacted their customer service this morning and spoke to Jennifer. She proceeded to listen to the taping of the call I made on April 2, 2025 - and subsequently confirmed that I did indeed cancel my order. However, she stated that even though it was a Hearst Customer Service Rep's error, their policy does not allow for refunds. This must be illegal!! I am seeking a refund of $19.96 payment. Thank you so much for providing the opportunity to voice my complaint.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/30/2025

  My team has reached out to the customer, awaiting the reply. however, the account was stopped, and a refund is in process.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/02/2025

  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

  I received full credit back to my account today.  I know this would NOT have been resolved without your assistance.

  
  Sincere thanks for all you do to protect US citizens from fraudulent practices.  Your organization is truly appreciated!!!
  

  Best regards,

  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/31/2025

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I called the ******* ********* ###-###-#### on 3/12/25 to place my home delivery of the ******* ********* paper for vacation hold. Hold was to start on 3/16 and all papers to be delivered 3/28. I did not receive my papers. I’ve called the ********* repeatedly over the last few days and they said the papers would be delivered but they never were. I pay over $50 a month for home delivery. I would like my newspapers. I don’t want my account extended (which I think they will offer that). Please resolve this issue for me. Thank you

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/01/2025

  ***** ***** ***** *************************
  ***** ******** ***** ** **** ***** **
  *** ********** ***********************
  ******** *** *** **** * *** ******* **** *** ******* *********** ********* ********* *********

   

  This issue has been resolved 

   

  Thank you

   

  **** **** ** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/17/2025

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am supposed to receive the *********** Post on Thursday and Sunday and have just recently mailed my payment to extend my subscription through June 1. The carrier did not deliver my paper on Thursday, March 13. I called at 11 AM and all their representatives were busy but on the automated line I requested a re-delivery for today, Friday, March 14. Needless to say I just got home from work and the carrier again did not deliver my Thursday paper. I live in a condominium and my neighbors are really good about if the paper comes and I am at work they put it right in front of my door. They said they never saw a carrier today. I don’t care how they get it here, but the Thursday paper has all the circulars and the ******** flyer that I use for my grocery shopping. I PAID for the paper, I tolerated it when the carrier didn’t deliver it Thursday, I requested a re-delivery on Friday and yet their carrier couldn’t get it here Friday either. I want the Thursday paper that I was supposed to get with ALL the flyers from March 13. I can’t believe somebody requests a replacement paper after not getting the paper they’ve already paid for, and they can’t get it delivered! I would like to replacement paper by Sunday, Thank you. And when I tried to email the business at the address they provide on the *********** Post website,you try to send it and it says no valid address! Maybe provide a customer service email address that actually works? Anyway, I would like my Thursday paper delivered by Sunday, March 16. Thank you, ***** ****** ****** ******* ****** ********** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 04/08/2025

  To Whom It May Concern: this customer is all set, my inhouse team did assist.

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/08/2025

  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  ***** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/03/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  ******* **** ***** auto reviewed my subscription, I called to cancel and they refused to credit my credit card charge (auto pay). They are charging for a period that has yet to start (3/5/25-4/5/25), I can understand if the renewal service period already began but it has not. I was not provided any notification of this charge (discovered viewing my credit card statement online- charged on 2/26/25). Evidently according to them it is in the fine print. Even internet service providers provide credits for unused services when cancelling.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/07/2025

  To Whom It May Concern: My inhouse team did leave a message for *** *******, stopped the account and provided a refund of $19.97. 

  if he needs anything further, please let me know.

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/03/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Today is March 1, 2025.
  On September 8,2024 I ordered a 26 week subscription to The Hour digital access edition.
  That subscription will end on March 8, 2025.
  On February 27, 2025 my **** card on file was charged $19.96. On February 28, 2025 I called the Hour to let them know I wished to cancel at the end of my original agreement (March 8) and asked for a reversal of the charge. They told me I was not eligible for a refund.
  Nowhere in the original confirmation does it state that they will charge my card 10 days in advance and not allow refunds.
  On February 28, 2025, I called the bank that issued my **** card to dispute the charge.
  I find it incredible that Hearst Media will not issue a credit for a subscription that hasn’t even started yet. If not illegal, I view their policy on refunds as disingenuous at best.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/04/2025

  To Whom It May Concern: My team reached out to the customer and has left messages for a call back. However, the customer did dispute the charge with his bank and in that instance, we cannot refund the customer as we would be charged back once the bank settles it.

  Thank you,
  Jessica