NYT Calls Time On Paid Content

This week saw the issue of paid online content return to the news agenda after the New York Times announced the end of its subscription service.

A letter to readers from the publication’s senior vice president revealed that articles and archives previously only available to TimesSelect subscribers will now be opened up to all users for free.

“Readers increasingly find news through search, as well as through social networks, blogs and other online sources,” notes Vivian Schiller.

“In light of this shift, we believe offering unfettered access to New York Times reporting and analysis best serves the interest of our readers, our brand and the long-term vitality of our journalism,” adds Schiller.

Commentators have interpreted the move in different ways but none can ignore the big question - can paid content ever be a viable business model for news on the web?

Poynter Institute media analyst Rick Edmonds believes in general that it cannot, but remains optimistic: “If direct paid news does not work as a business, that still leaves open the possibility of licensing fees or other partnerships with aggregators big and small.”

Meanwhile, NewWest.net founder Jonathan Weber writes in the Times: “As the online media world evolves, there will be lots and lots of new business models.

“Paid models are not dead, they're just assuming new forms. And in that regard the New York Times' decision is not any big landmark. It's just a sign of a company experimenting with different approaches as its business changes.”