National newspapers consider charging for online content

The Independent and the Times are understood to be considering plans to introduce paid-for content on their websites.

The new chief executive of Independent News & Media, Gavin O’Reilly – who has stepped up to succeed his father Sir Anthony O’Reilly (see Sir Anthony O’Reilly is set to leave INM) – confirmed that he has been looking at setting up paid-for content on INM’s websites, although no set plans have been made as yet.

“Our experience has been that the web is a financially deflationary area. I think we will see more and more content moving to subscription,” he said. “We are looking at some charge structure. If we are giving all our content away, it’s obviously necessary.”

The Independent is thought to be just one of a number of national newspapers who are looking into charging users for online content, as the industry continues to struggle with deteriorating ad revenues amid the on-going recession.

News International is also considering offering paid-for content for Times Online, according to a report in the Telegraph.

Last month, The New York Times editor Bill Keller, admitted that his title is looking into ways to start charging users for content.

The Financial Times‘ UK FT.com site, New York’s tabloid Newsday‘s site and the Wall Street Journal have already set up successful subscription-based sections on their websites, in a bid to increase revenue streams.