07 September 2009.
Online newspapers may be charging consumers in the near future for access to online news stories.
Gone are the days when traditional newspapers were the primary source of breaking news and information. Over the last decade we have seen the growth of online newspapers, which has revolutionised the way in which consumers receive and consume news stories.
Up until recently, most online news has been available free of charge. However, consumers may have to start paying for online news in the near future. News Corporation, the world’s leading publisher of English-language newspapers, has decided that in a few months time, consumers will have to pay to access their online news. The Media Online reports that News Corporation’s paid model will include online newspapers such as The Times, the Sunday Times, the Sun and the News of the World.
According to an article on Marketingweb, Rupert Murdoch, Chairman of News Corporation, recently made a public announcement that he intends to charge consumers for online news in the near future, due to the company’s losses of $203 million in the last quarter. Because consumers have been able to access news on the Internet free of charge, the corporation has been selling fewer hard copies of its newspapers.
The article goes on to debate whether this decision will work for consumers, who have become accustomed to having free access to content online. A growing concern is that consumers will continue to access their news online, but visit websites other than those which require you to pay a subscription. However, Murdoch argues that he will be charging consumers for content which is unique and of a higher quality, which he believes they would be willing to pay for.
