Time Magazine’s cover story this week splashes the title, “How to save your newspaper.” (The more appropriate title would be, “How to reinvent your newspaper,” as current newspapers operate on an outdated business model as well as are regarded by a significant majority of their readers to fall short in providing relevant local coverage and community.) Written by Walter Isaacson, it suggests charging for content in micropayments — an idea that has been floating around for years.
While there are no plans underway, New York Times Editor Bill Keller says “a lively, deadly serious discussion continues within The Times about ways to get consumers to pay for what we make.” And A.H. Belo is having similar thoughts. “Two years ago, I would have told you that asking people to pay for content on the Web is a ridiculous notion,” said EVP Jim Moroney. “Today, I will tell you it’s almost imperative we experiment with it to see what the consumer will respond to.” Stay tuned…