Paywall Drives Off 98.8% of Times Readers

Paper aims to firm up pay barrier before launch

(NEWSER) - The pay barrier for the New York Times' online content goes up on Monday and the newspaper is scrambling to make it more like a wall and less like a curtain full of holes. Users will be allowed 20 page views a month before the barrier comes down. But articles linked to from Twitter and Facebook can be viewed independent of the limit, leaving a huge loophole that the Times is now seeking to plug. More»

Most won't have to pay, paper says

(NEWSER) - The New York Times’ long-expected paywall is due next month, and details are starting to leak out about the plan. Everyone will have limited free access to the site, sources tell the Wall Street Journal , but once users reach that limit, they'll have to pony up. Users can buy either a subscription to just the site, or a digital bundle that also includes the Times’ iPad app. Subscribers to the physical paper will have full access to the website. More»

(NEWSER) - Rupert Murdoch will test out his new pay-to-read Internet model this November, when News Corp launches a stand-alone website for Britain's Sunday Times. According to the Guardian, the site will feature "communities editors" and its own team of journalists. It's unclear whether users will pay a subscription or a per-visit fee. More»

Paper's online content won't be free after March 5

(NEWSER) - The Los Angeles Times is going behind a paywall next month, joining the ranks of the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and most recently, Gannett. (The latter's hasn't gone into effect yet.) The LAT "membership program" will eventually cost $1.99 a week when combined with the Sunday paper, or $3.99 if not. Those who don't pay will get 15 free stories a month, a plan similar to that of the New York Times. Blogger Matthew DeBord has a closer look at the potential strengths and weaknesses of the LAT strategy here . More»

Real estate a major factor in sale of 71 papers last year

(NEWSER) - Despite plunging revenue and circulation figures, plenty of people in America are still buying daily newspapers—lock, stock, and valuable headquarters. Some 71 daily papers were sold last year, and while some investors see buying a paper as a civic duty, others view it as a way to turn a quick profit, especially since newspapers tend to own large buildings in prime downtown locations, the New York Times finds. More»