Online Newspaper Subscriptions Dwindle

The days of online newspaper subscriptions are numbered. Today, the New York Times ends its flawed policy of charging readers access to content by its Op-Ed and news columnists and archives.

"Why the change?" wrote Vivian Schiller, NYTimes.com senior vice president and general manager, to subscribers. "Since we launched TimesSelect, the Web has evolved into an increasingly open environment." (Actually, that's what it's always been, but newspapers have been fighting it, fearing the loss of revenue if they put everything online for free.) "Readers find more news in a greater number of places and interact with it in more meaningful ways. This decision enhances the free flow of New York Times reporting and analysis around the world. It will enable everyone, everywhere to read our news and opinions—as well as to share it, link to it and comment on it."

A strong admission and a long-time-coming nod to how the web works.

Now, all eyes are on Rupert Murdoch to see if he will free walled-off Wall Street Journal online content. The Financial Times reports the media mogul said he is leaning toward dropping the subscription charges, saying the decision is on the "front burner" when his $5 billion takeover of Dow Jones is final.

"That looks like the way we're going" Murdoch said at a Goldman Sachs conference. The News Corp. chief said Dow Jones would probably lose about $30 million in the short term by ending the subscription fees, but he expects to earn more than that by offering the WSJ online audience search services and advertisers a larger affluent and influential audience.

Think he has the right idea?

LINKS: Now, everyone is entitled to our opinions. [New York Times]
Murdoch eyes free WSJ website [The Financial Times]

Related: NYT May Free Paid Online Content