The Beacon is a free, monthly publication focusing on issues that effect people 50 years old and over. Serving the Washington, DC and Baltimore areas since 1989 and 2003, respectively, the paper includes articles about health and fitness, aging, travel, housing opportunities and noteworthy local people and businesses. The paper is free at distribution sites and yearly subscriptions are available for $12.72 via third-class mail or $36 via first-class mail plus sales tax, if applicable. The Beacon's local stories are written by a small staff of writers and freelancers. It also includes selected Associated Press wire stories.