The New York Times considers charging for website
28 Apr 2009
The New York Times Co. is once again considering a subscriptin fee for content on its flagship New York Times website and the sites of its other papers. This was suggested by chairman Arthur Sulzberger Jr. to shareholders at the company's annual meeting held few days ago.
Advertisement revenues have fallen by nearly $124 million in the first quarter of 2009, and internet ad revenue slumped down by 8 per cent ($3.6 million).
Newspapers are finding that most advertisers are shifting their budgets from traditional media to the web. The recession has hit newspapers harder than all other media except, perhaps, radio.
According to Zenith Optimedia, newspaper ad spending will fall 12 per cent in 2009.
The New York Times plans to 'take a fresh, hard and deep look at various subscription, purchase and micropayment models' but advertising will remain a key piece of its revenue.
