New York Times to charge for online content

by Stevie Smith - Jan 18 2010, 04:29

If renowned publication The New York Times (NYT) is one of your preferred sources when it comes to seeking out online news, then enjoying the widespread coverage provided by its pool of respected journalists looks set to test your pocket.

Moreover, current reports suggest the paper is to introduce a “pay wall” for its online portal before the close of January, with sources closely connected to NYT chairman Arthur Sulzberger Jr., indicating that a formal decision will be finalised before the close of this week.

The impending payment structure, which will likely see readers granted free content snippets but charged in order to receive complete access, is already used by other publications, such as The Financial Times, and is gradually spreading throughout the industry.

Other notable publishers looking to apply a payment metering system to their content include Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp., which plans to charge for the online coverage provided by UK publications The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, and The News of the World.

While News Corp. and other newspaper publishers believe the online news stories and features offered by their reporters and journalists should come attached to a fair and appropriate price, the gradual move towards charged content could see readerships moving further into the Blogosphere for their daily news.

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