News Corp acquires e-reader publishing platform
News Corporation has acquired the e-reader publishing platform Skiff from US publisher Hearst and taken a stake in online content firm Journalism Online.
Skiff delivers digital newspaper and magazine content to tablets and e-readers, with the capability to deliver high-resolution graphics, rich typography and dynamic updates.
Journalism Online’s Press+TM e-commerce platform allows publishers to choose and adjust multiple options for paid access, with each publisher selecting its own business model, offerings and pricing, said News Corp.
This includes the “metered model” under which many readers will continue to access sites for free, while some will pay for full access.
Jon Miller, chief digital officer, News Corp, said: “Today’s developments underscore News Corporation’s ongoing commitment to create strong business models that support journalism at a time of great change in our industry.
“Both Skiff and Journalism Online serve as key building blocks in our strategy to transform the publishing industry and ensure consumers will have continued access to the highest quality journalism.”
Miller also named Jon Housman president of News Corp’s digital journalism initiatives. In this newly created role, Housman will be responsible for driving and managing new business efforts in premium digital journalism.
News Corp will begin charging for access to the Times and Sunday Times websites later this month.