Johnston Press is to introduce paid-for access to some of its local websites from next week in an experiment that could change the face of the industry, HoldtheFrontPage reports today.
HoldtheFrontPage says it has has learned that pay walls are to be introduced on a selection of Johnston Press-owned weekly newspaper websites from Monday.
It adds:"Managers have told staff that JP intends to roll-out the paid-for model across the company in line with what they are calling 'industry moves in this area to find a sustainable business model going forward'."
The initiative being launched next week will restrict users of selected JP sites from viewing content beyond the homepage without payment of a £5 three-month subscription - the equivalent of 40p per week. The subscription system will be the same as that already being used by the Scotsman to view "premium content" on its website.
An internal memo circulated by senior managers in one JP division that has been seen by HTFP stated: "Customers are used to paying for content in-paper and we are simply transferring this thinking online."
Johnston Press has declined to comment publicly on the plan.
It adds:"Managers have told staff that JP intends to roll-out the paid-for model across the company in line with what they are calling 'industry moves in this area to find a sustainable business model going forward'."
The initiative being launched next week will restrict users of selected JP sites from viewing content beyond the homepage without payment of a £5 three-month subscription - the equivalent of 40p per week. The subscription system will be the same as that already being used by the Scotsman to view "premium content" on its website.
An internal memo circulated by senior managers in one JP division that has been seen by HTFP stated: "Customers are used to paying for content in-paper and we are simply transferring this thinking online."
Johnston Press has declined to comment publicly on the plan.
I can already hear the wind howl and see the tumbleweed blow through these soon-to-be-abandoned websites.
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