Browser Support Notice: Upgrade Required for Access

Northern Nevada’s premier news outlet, the Reno Gazette Journal (RGJ), is making significant upgrades to its digital platform to enhance user experience through modern web technologies. The publication recently began notifying readers accessing its website through outdated browsers that they may need to upgrade to fully experience the improved site.

“We want to ensure the best experience for all of our readers, so we built our site to take advantage of the latest technology, making it faster and easier to use,” the notification states when users attempt to access rgj.com through incompatible browsers.

This move reflects a growing trend among digital publishers to optimize their platforms for modern web standards while gradually phasing out support for legacy browsers. Industry experts note that maintaining compatibility with older browsers often requires significant development resources and can limit the implementation of newer features that improve site performance and user experience.

The RGJ, owned by Gannett Co., Inc., serves as the primary news source for Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and surrounding communities in Northern Nevada. Like many regional newspapers, the publication has increasingly shifted focus to its digital presence as print circulation continues to decline industry-wide.

Digital media analyst Maria Hernandez explains, “Regional news outlets like the Gazette Journal are facing the dual challenge of adapting to changing reader habits while managing the technical infrastructure needed to deliver content efficiently. Streamlining browser support allows them to concentrate resources on features that serve their core audience.”

The browser requirements align with current industry standards. Most major news organizations now recommend users access their sites through recent versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari—browsers that regularly update to support modern web protocols and security features.

While the exact percentage of affected users is unknown, industry data suggests that less than 5% of internet users typically access websites through outdated browsers. However, this number may be higher in regions with older computer infrastructure or among senior demographics.

For users receiving the compatibility notification, the solution is straightforward. The message advises visitors to “download one of these browsers for the best experience on rgj.com,” though specific browser recommendations aren’t listed in the notification itself.

The technology refresh comes at a critical time for local journalism. Regional publications nationwide are exploring innovative digital strategies to maintain readership and drive subscription revenue in an increasingly competitive media landscape. Enhanced site performance, improved mobile responsiveness, and streamlined user interfaces are seen as essential components for retaining existing subscribers and attracting new readers.

“Modern browsers support features like progressive web apps, advanced caching, and responsive design techniques that dramatically improve how news can be delivered to consumers,” notes technology consultant James Wilson. “Publications that optimize for these technologies typically see improvements in page load times, reduced bounce rates, and higher engagement metrics.”

The RGJ’s digital evolution mirrors broader trends in the news industry, where publications are increasingly focusing on creating seamless digital experiences across devices. This approach recognizes that readers now consume news through multiple platforms throughout the day, from desktop computers at work to mobile devices during commutes.

For those using outdated browsers who wish to continue accessing rgj.com, the transition to a modern browser is generally free and straightforward. Major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari can be downloaded directly from their respective websites and typically install within minutes on compatible systems.

As the publication continues to refine its digital presence, these technical requirements represent just one aspect of broader initiatives to adapt to changing reader preferences and consumption patterns in Nevada’s growing and technologically diverse communities.