In a first for regional newspapers, APN News & Media have confirmed they will be launching a metered paywall system for its publications.
Joining the likes of News Corp and Fairfax Media, CEO Michael Miller believes the scheme is essential for producing profit. He told Mumbrella: “We firmly believe the introduction of a content‐driven metered subscription model to our regional audiences will grow news media revenues over time, as has been demonstrated in international markets.”
Australian Regional Media will be first to embrace the shift, which is predicted to begin in the second half of this year. The publications involved include the Sunshine Coast Daily, The Gympie Times, Gladstone’s The Observer, Mackay’s Daily Mercury and Rockhampton’s The Morning Bulletin.
Competitors News Corp and Fairfax introduced paywalls across their major mastheads in 2013, with The West Australian expected to shortly follow suit.
