Guardian To Charge For Web Content
Guardian Unlimited is to introduce a range of paid-for web content and services from later this month, including digital editions of the Guardian and the Observer.
Although access to the core Guardian Unlimited network will remain free and unrestricted, users will be able to purchase an ad-free version of the site for £20 a year and improved email and crossword services.
MediaGuardian.co.uk will also introduce a charge for its media briefing later in the year and is to introduce a registration process in the autumn. However, despite rumours to the contrary, the Guardian has confirmed there are no plans to introduce a charge for the site.
Commenting on the new initiative, Emily Bell, editor in chief of Guardian Unlimited, said: “We are absolutely committed to keeping the majority of Guardian Unlimited free from both charge and registration, but the realities of web publishing mean that we also have to seek opportunities to maximise our revenues. I believe that these new developments will offer users services that they will value and be happy to pay for.”
The new digital editions of the Guardian and the Observer will launch later this year and be available to readers in the UK and abroad.
The network will also now charge for its email briefings. The Wrap, a daily digest of the UK papers, and The Informer, the site’s lunchtime news roundup, are to be available together as a package.
Simon Waldman, director of digital publishing at Guardian Newspapers, said: “We have always said that we believe paid-for content is a part of our future, but it is no panacea: it needs to be seen as part of a balanced business with a mix of revenues. As a result, our strategy is designed to allow us to introduce a healthy strand of subscription income to Guardian Unlimited, while continuing to grow our core advertising revenues and extend the reach of our brands.”
The last twelve months have seen substantial growth in the online ad market, with Guardian Unlimited achieving a 37% increase in advertising revenue over the financial year.
The move towards a subscription model at the Guardian’s website follows similar moves by other broadsheets. The Independent recently introduced paid-for premium content (see Independent Introduces Paid-For Online Content), while both the Telegraph and the Times recently launched digital editions of their newspapers (see Times Launches Daily E-Paper For Online Subscribers).
Guardian Media Group: 020 7278 2332 www.gmgplc.co.uk
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