“I thought that the hotels got USA for free....to distribute to their guests...”
I don’t know what the financial arrangements between hotels/lodges/motels and USA today is, most of them out here charge guests anywhere from a $ to 50 cents for each USALIESTODAY.
About a decade ago, I started cancelling the USALIESTODAY when I checked in. Without asking some of the clerks at the desk said fine and said that I would receive a small credit for not taking it.
After a few of those comments, it is standard for me to ask for a refund for not taking USALIESTODAY.
About 5 years ago if the hosts didn’t have Fox News, on checkout, I would say that I wasn’t returning until Fox News was available, and I sent an email restating that to the management when I got home. Most got Fox News and got back to me.
Abb has more on this little arrangement between those who own/operate lodging and USALIESTODAY.
During the 80’s and 90’s whenever I was travelling on business, all the hotels I ever stayed in provided a USAT at your door everymorning..no charge...I was told once by a manager that they were given to the hotel by Gannett..