It has been reported that in the coming weeks the New York Times will announce their plans to charge their online viewers for access. The rumored course of action is said to be similar to The Times previous venture with cashing in on online readers, in the fact that it will charge a metered annual or monthly rate for exclusive access to columns and other "premium content"; the earlier attempt failed in late 2007 after a steep decline in online readership. Also reputed is the likely pairing of The Times with Apple's newest media device, due to be revealed on the 27th of this month.
With the way print media has declined over the past decade or so, this sadly seems to be the only logical course of action. While the Times previous attempt did fail massively, I believe this one will have a greater success, due in part to the fact that other major news outlets are also charging online readers. The partnership with Apple would be a great benefit to the Times as well, as the use of multi-media devices like the iTouch are already hugely popular, and the use of eBook devices such as the Kindle and Nook are swiftly on the rise; Apple's addition to the eBook technology will surely bring it further popularity. While I do still prefer print media, it seems that this is the direction news outlets and readers are moving in, and the Times is smart to act now.
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This was going to come about sooner or later. The New York Times, and alot of popular newspapers, have so many viewers online nowadays. Even if people might not think it is the most ethical thing to do, it is without a doubt the most logical thing to do. If you put yourself in the New York Time's shoes then you would have to think to yourself, it is a good and easy way to make money. Obviously these particular newspapers will lose viewers, but the ones that can't live without their favorite newspaper will fork out the money to continue to read their newspaper of choice.
ReplyDeleteif the new york times started charging for their infomation i think it would decrease readers because nobody wants to pay for the internet.
ReplyDeleteNothing in the world is free. Not even the news.
ReplyDeleteThats a good way for the New York Times to make money especially to try to expand that to the apple company.
ReplyDeletei think its a good idea but there are still free wedsite's to read news on
ReplyDeleteI understand why NYT wants to charge people to read their newspaper; however, I don't feel that they will keep all of the readers they've had up to now. Times are hard and money is scarce, so people are trying to think of ways to make money and fast. I wish the NYT all the best.
ReplyDeleteI cant believe it! They are going to loose so many customers. I mean college students use the NYT as sources for many papers and presentations.
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