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Business Profile

Publishers Periodicals

Lee Enterprises Incorporated

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Publishers Periodicals.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Lee Enterprises Incorporated's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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Lee Enterprises Incorporated has 24 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 129 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 58 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    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.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/19/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 have canceled or tried to cancel this news subscription service 3 times but they keep charging me. I canceled this morning but didnt get a confirmation email and when I tried to call I got a phone answering service that said there was technical difficulties and Id have to call back tomorrow.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/14/2025

      We cancelled the account and processed a refund for $68.97. The complaint stated $70 for the refund, but the payments made add up to the $68.97.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 03/15/2025

       
      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:02/19/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      Dec 17, 2024 purchased a ************************ newspaper subscription as a gift to begin on Dec 29. Delivery did not begin. Called and cancelled subscription on Jan 2 and was told I would receive a refund back to my credit card in 2 weeks. Did not occur so I called back and was told 4 weeks. Did not occur, called back and was told wait 1 more week and if not credited call back and someone would check into it. Did not occur. Attempted to contact by phone and by chatting. Going into the third week of being told variations of they are having technical problems (once indicating a cyber attack) and cannot access their customer accounts so they cannot help me at this time. This does not seem reasonable. My subscription cost was $264.99. Also told that there is no business office in ******** accessible to the public, although they do have a ******** address.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/28/2025

      There is no account under her name, phone number, email address, or regular address. We've searched all variations as well. She stated that she purchased it as a gift subscription, we'll need the information of the person she purchased the subscription for to be able to handle this complaint.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 02/28/2025

      Subscription was for: ********* *****, ****************************** Her phone number is ************. It was paid for on a **** card with the name **** ******. The subscription was purchased December 17 to begin delivery Dec 29. It was cancelled January 2.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/03/2025

      There is no subscription under her name. She stated in the complaint that it was a gift subscription. We need to know the name/address the subscription was gifted to.  

      Customer Answer

      Date: 03/03/2025

      Subscription was for: ********* *****, *****************************. Her phone number is ************. It was paid for on a **** card with the name **** ******. The subscription was purchased December 17 to begin delivery Dec 29. It was cancelled January 2.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/14/2025

       

      A refund check was requested 01/02/25; the check was issued 3/13/25. The customer service agent did tell ****** the refund would be direct to her credit card, but our system automatically generated a check request. The check is for the remaining balance at the time of cancellation, which was $356.59. She will also receive an additional $8.40 refund to her credit card.

       

      The refund has been sent to the address on file for her mother:

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

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

      Billings, MT 59102-8217

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/17/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 have a full subscription to Pantagraph paper which means I have both digital/online access plus paper delivery.I have been trying to reach Pantagraph online, email, app, and phone since 12/24 and cannot. Absolutely every option fails. They have this warning on all locations for weeks."We are currently undergoing maintenance on some services, which may temporarily affect access to subscription accounts and the E-edition. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to resolve the issues."I can't cancel or change my subscription. I have automated monthly payments and I cannot contact to make any type of changes.Please help.Thank you *********

      Business Response

      Date: 03/03/2025

       

      The complaint is not clear what she is requesting as she is mentioning "cancel or change" her subscription. We have reached out to her three times but were unable to speak with her.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 03/03/2025

       
      Complaint: 22951563

      I am rejecting this response because I have not received the information I need from *** Enterprises and they're website is still not allowing any changes to current subscriptions and/or payments.

      I have returned Laquana's two voicemails today but could only reach her voicemail where I did leave a message.  I would like the following information:

      1. How much is the monthly subscription cost for only the digital/e-edition?  This would be without the printed version of Pantagraph.  

      I currently pay $59 a month for both the electronic and the print versions which is too much for my fixed income.

      Thank you


      Sincerely,

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

      Business Response

      Date: 03/14/2025

      We acknowledge it has been difficult for us and Ms. ******** to connect. Her rate has been lowered to $45 monthly for daily delivery. Her current subscription will expire 3/31/25.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 03/19/2025

       
      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:02/17/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      *** Enterprises keeps trying to charge my credit card $14.99 a month and I have no clue what its for and definitely did not authorize this! I cant figure out how to find out either!

      Business Response

      Date: 03/03/2025

      ******* subscribed on 06/30/24 for the $1/26 weeks promotion through Apple Pay. The subscription, renewed on 12/30/24 at the regular subscription rate of $14.99. The last payment (01/30/25) for $14.99 was declined. We have terminated the account. We have written off $16.27 due to the last payment n 01/30/25 being declined and the ***** period the account was in, until cancellation today. She only paid the $14.99 once on 12/30/24 when the subscription renewed for the standard subscription rate.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/13/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      Ive been trying to cancel my Pantagraph subscription for the last few weeks to avoid a price increase they informed subscribers of more than a month agoit was scheduled to take effect mid-February. Ive been told by their customer service **** in the past that they will not refund unused subscription payments after cancellationwhat has been paid stays with them. That is why I wanted to cancel BEFORE the new rates hit. Im also tired of seeing news that is old and most of the current news they include in the paper is at least 2 days old due to their out of town printing practices. Anyway, theyve recently experienced a technical attack, shutting down multiple aspects of their business.. I just want to cancel the subscription - their **************************************************************************************** They want my account but I dont have that without accessing my account online their online system, which is down. What a mess and a great example of a VERY poorly run company!!

      Business Response

      Date: 02/27/2025

      The account has been terminated. We did not draft the payment increase for $26.99. The last payment made on the account is 01/07/25 for the previous rate of $16.99. Since we did not draft the increase mentioned in the complaint, there will be no refund issued. The back balance of $18.78 has been written off as well with the cancellation today.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/11/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      ********* has neglected to fulfill their corporate responsibilities by providing daily newspaper thats been bought and paid for. This severing of services began 2/4/25. When called for explanation, only phone service available is standard answering and connecting info. It connects to no one, no matter which option you select. Tells you to call back during service hours 8-4, which is when i call every day. I tried all options to no avail. On one call after futile attempts to soeak to a rep, taped recording of technical issues. Online paper is repetitive, same stories repeated, very little up to date info, they are not fulfilling their journalistic responsibilities and allowing no information let out to thevpublic. My subscription has been paid, they ate not delivering what was paid for. No info on if or when this situation will be rectified. Their number is ************. Thanks fir any answers and help.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/28/2025

      This account was switched from Paper to Digital only on 06/28/24. He was placed on a $4.99 rate.

       

      This account was terminated on 01/06/25 due to non-payment. The last payment we received was $59.88 on 06/26/24. We wrote off the outstanding balance of $62.23

      Customer Answer

      Date: 02/28/2025

       
      Complaint: 22924240

      I am rejecting this response because:
      My subscription DID NOT expire in January, it doesnt expire until June, as I told your representatives, I have evidence,  on 3 occasions. This is unsatisfactory. I demand the money be remitted to me for them not living up to their end of a transaction that required them to provide the usual newspaper. It still is unsatisfactory 3 weeks later.
      Sincerely,

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

      Business Response

      Date: 03/04/2025

      We waived the outstanding balance when the account was terminated due to non-payment and have written off $69.50. A request has been submitted to refund for the $59.88.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/10/2025

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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've called several times since August of 2024 to try to cancel my subscription and every time I call they tell me they are having some sort of "technical issue" and cannot cancel my subscription "at this time". This is clearly a scam and they have no intention of canceling my subscription and are continuing to bill me monthly for it.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2025

      We cannot refund to ****** if the payments go back further than 6 months. We have processed $101.94 to be refunded through check. The normal timeframe for those is 45 days plus mailing times.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/10/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 a subscriber to the Missoulian online newspaper. On Feb 1 and since that time the paper no longer has news due to a cyberattack. They continue to send out content they purchase from other sources such as puzzles, comics and other trivial material. This continues to this day. Their offshore answering service is no longer taking calls. I want to cancel my subscription but have no means to do that. The monthly rate increased the day before the outage. I just want to be able to cancel my subscription.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/27/2025

      This account has been terminated, and I have processed a refund for his last two payments, a total of $43.98 back to his card.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/05/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      This company has been billing my minor sons bank account despite demands for cancellation of the account. He has now received a bill for $70.98 in addition to what has already come out of his account. The only way to cancel is via phone, so there is no documentation. When trying to login to an account online for cancellation the website shows no account under his email or phone number.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/28/2025

      This is a The Daily Nonpareil subscription, account: *******. The account was terminated due to Non-Payment. We've waived the outstanding balance of $46.99 and requested a refund for the two payments made of $14.99; total of $29.98. There was a payment made for $23.99 on10/21/24 but this was disputed by the customer and charged back on the account on 10/29/24.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 02/28/2025

       
      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,

      Katy And **** ******

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/05/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      We've been long time subscribers to ******* News. Paid the 13 week subscription price of $132 + a $20 tip to our carrier o n 12/24 through their website. Yesterday 2/4 no paper. I tried to call to tell them we hadn't received the paper that morning and the phone system isn't working. It says I'd transfer you to an agent but it appears we're closed right now and to call back when they are open. Well I emailed them and they responded with my subscription would be extended. I already paid! Now this morning AGAIN no paper and the phones STILL aren't working

      Business Response

      Date: 03/03/2025

      This customer has been contacted, and she is happy with the deliveries now. She stated that the complaint was in regards to her not receiving the papers on the days that the system was down. We've extended her expiration date from 04/01/25 to 04/15/25 as compensation for missed deliveries and not being able to contact us and have credits applied to her account.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 03/03/2025

       
      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,

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

    Lee Enterprises Incorporated is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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