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In a move aimed at enhancing user experience, Jacksonville.com has announced that some browsers are no longer supported on their digital platform. The news outlet is encouraging readers to upgrade their web browsers to ensure optimal performance and accessibility when visiting the site.
The announcement comes as part of Jacksonville.com’s ongoing efforts to leverage cutting-edge technology to deliver content more efficiently. According to a statement on their website, the publication has rebuilt their digital platform “to take advantage of the latest technology, making it faster and easier to use.”
Visitors attempting to access Jacksonville.com through outdated browsers are now met with a notification explaining that their current browser is incompatible with the site’s new features and functionality. The message politely directs users to download an updated browser “for the best experience.”
This development reflects a growing trend among news organizations and digital media outlets to optimize their websites for modern browsers, which offer enhanced security features, better performance, and improved compatibility with contemporary web technologies.
Industry analysts note that browser compatibility issues have become increasingly common as websites adopt more sophisticated features. Modern browsers support newer coding standards like HTML5, CSS3, and advanced JavaScript frameworks that enable media-rich, interactive content—features that older browsers simply cannot process correctly.
“News organizations face a delicate balancing act between adopting new technologies that improve user experience and maintaining accessibility for all readers,” explains digital media consultant Sarah Reynolds. “At some point, supporting legacy browsers becomes unsustainable both technically and financially.”
Jacksonville.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, serves northeast Florida with local news coverage and has likely analyzed their user data before making this decision. Most media organizations typically find that only a small percentage of their audience—often less than 5 percent—uses outdated browsers.
The decision to drop support for certain browsers aligns with industry best practices. Major technology companies regularly end support for older versions of their software, including web browsers, pushing users toward newer, more secure versions. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge all follow regular update schedules, with automatic updates becoming the standard.
For affected users, the transition to a newer browser is generally straightforward and free. Most modern browsers can be downloaded and installed in minutes, with the added benefit of improved security against online threats and malware.
This technical update by Jacksonville.com also points to the publication’s investment in digital infrastructure at a time when news organizations nationwide are working to strengthen their online presence. Digital subscriptions have become a crucial revenue stream for many news outlets as print circulation continues to decline across the industry.
The timing coincides with broader efforts by news publishers to improve page load speeds and reduce bounce rates—metrics that directly impact both user satisfaction and search engine rankings. Faster, more responsive websites typically see higher engagement levels and improved advertising performance.
While the announcement did not specify which browsers are no longer supported, industry standards suggest that versions of Internet Explorer, particularly IE 11 and earlier, are likely among those affected. Microsoft itself has been phasing out support for these legacy browsers, with IE 11 reaching end-of-life status in June 2022.
For Jacksonville.com’s regular readers who may be using outdated browsers, this change requires a one-time adjustment but promises a superior reading experience moving forward, with potentially faster load times, better video playback, and more reliable access to the publication’s content.
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8 Comments
Interesting move by Jacksonville.com to upgrade their digital platform and focus on modern browser compatibility. This will likely improve the user experience, though it may exclude some older device owners. I’m curious to see if this impacts their overall readership.
You raise a fair point. Ensuring a positive user experience is important, but they’ll need to balance that with accessibility for all readers.
It’s good to see Jacksonville.com investing in their digital platform, but browser compatibility is a tricky issue. While newer browsers offer enhanced features, not all users may be able or willing to upgrade. Maintaining a smooth experience for all readers is crucial.
Absolutely. They’ll need to carefully consider the impact on their audience and ensure no one is left behind in the transition.
The move to optimize for modern browsers is understandable, but news outlets need to be cautious about alienating segments of their readership. I hope Jacksonville.com provides clear guidance and alternative options for users who can’t or won’t upgrade their browsers.
Upgrading to modern browsers makes sense from a technical standpoint, but news sites need to be mindful of their audience demographics. Excluding older users or those with limited device access could negatively impact their reach. I hope they find a balance.
This is a common challenge for news sites as they aim to leverage the latest web technologies. While it may leave some users behind, it’s understandable that they want to deliver the best possible experience for the majority. I hope they provide clear upgrade guidance.
Agreed. Clear communication and guidance for users is key in these situations. Hopefully Jacksonville.com makes the upgrade process straightforward.