The Grey Lady builds a pay wall; New York Times to charge for online content after March 28th

In a post on the publication’s web site today, The New York Times announced its intentions to move to a paid subscription model — often referred to as a “pay wall” — for access its online content beginning on March 28th. Currently being tested in Canadian markets, the paper plans to provide users with a small sampling of Times content each month for free, after which readers must pay for access. “On NYTimes.com, you can view 20 articles each month at no charge (including slide shows, videos and other features),” writes Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, the site’s publisher. “After 20 articles, we will ask you to become a digital subscriber, with full access to our site.” The company’s mobile application users will still be able to access all articles in the “Top News” section free of charge, but access to other content will require a subscription. “If you are a home delivery subscriber of The New York Times, you will continue to have full and free access to our news, information, opinion and the rest of our rich offerings on your computer, smartphone and tablet,” continues Sulzberger. The subscription plans will range from $15 to $35. The move may be an attempt to push digital consumers back towards the traditional print medium. Home delivery of The New York Times is roughly $8 per week, making a four week subscription ($32) — which includes free access to all digital Times mediums — slightly cheaper than the digital-only “All Digital Access” offering ($35). The announcement did not specify if those paying for digital content would still be subjected to online advertising.

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