<\/p>\n
The future of newspapers in the age of online content is not an abstract notion, but a real issue for the floundering industry. That future could mean that regular readers will need to pay for The New York Times online.<\/p>\n
\nAccording to a Sunday report in New York Magazine online, the Times’ Chairman, Arthur Sulzberger Jr., is on the verge of announcing that the venerable publication will charge for access to its web site. The magazine cited unnamed sources, both inside and outside the Times.<\/p>\n
Financial Times Approach<\/p>\n
\nInstead of the “pay wall” used by The Wall Street Journal, the new pay-to-read structure at the Times will be closer to the one used by the Financial Times. Under that system, users can read a certain number of free articles before being required to pay.<\/p>\n
\nThe Journal’s approach walls off some sections of its site as free and some as pay-only, as opposed to requiring payment after some articles have been read. A NPR-style membership model was also considered, but rejected. Diane McNulty, spokesperson for the Times, said the newspaper will “announce a decision when we believe that we have crafted the best possible business approach.”<\/p>\n
\nBecause the Times announcement is expected within a week and Apple’s announcement of a tablet computer is rumored for later this month, the magazine speculates that the two may be connected. Major publishers, including the Times, have reportedly been in discussions with Apple about providing content designed for the tablet.<\/p>\n
\nThe options have reportedly led to debate within the flagship newspaper, with some, such as digital head Martin Nisenholtz, arguing for the continuation of a free site. The Times has 20 million unique users, and the argument for keeping things as they are rests on the idea that its readership — and ad rates — could grow as other newspapers fail… <\/p>\n
Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n