WSJ to charge for mobile access
The Wall Street Journal has confirmed that it is to start charging for access to its mobile reader application.
From 24 October, the application will require a separate mobile subscription for full access to Journal subscription content. The application will remain free to download and contain both free and subscription content.
Robert Thomson, editor-in-chief of Dow Jones & Company and managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, said: “There is much value in being constantly and fully briefed, and our WSJ mobile reader offers that important service.
“Dow Jones journalism is delivered not daily – but minute-by-minute on a mobile device.”
A mobile-only subscription will cost $2 a week, while a mobile subscription combined with either a print or online subscription will be $1 a week. Subscribers of both the print and online editions will receive free access to all subscription content on the mobile reader.
The move follows Rupert Murdoch’s announcement on Tuesday that the WSJ would begin charging for mobile access and is part of News Corp’s attempt to put an end to the free distribution of digital news.
Speaking last month as News Corp unveiled a $3.4 billion net loss for the year to the end of June, Murdoch said: “Quality journalism is not cheap. The digital revolution has opened many new and inexpensive distribution channels but it has not made content free. We intend to charge for all our news websites.”