WAMC New York News
3:59 pm
Thu July 30, 2009
All The News That's Fit To Pay For
Schenectady, NY – While many newspapers across America are struggling to define their roles in the internet age of free content, The Daily Gazette of Schenectady New York will begin charging for online content. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Starting MONDAY web surfers who call up the Daily Gazette on their computers will only be able to access breaking news, blogs and some features... local stories, reviews, obituaries and columns will be subscription only, as will the ability to comment on articles. Editor Judy Patrick says it was a fairly easy decision to make: the staff was no longer interested in offering content free of charge. She believes the change will protect the value of the newspaper's work and reward readers willing to pay.
Ken Tingley is the editor of the Glens Falls Post-Star, which abandoned the very model the Gazette is re-launching next week. He says free content has enhanced the newspaper.
The Daily Gazette is conducting a poll on IT's "Hot issue of the day" --- Should newspapers charge for their online content? Take the Daily Gazette poll.
Larger US newspapers will likely be watching what happens to the Daily Gazette: the story has made all of the industry trade journals and if successful, could serve as a model for struggling big city dailies.