CNN and Reuters announced on Tuesday that they would be implementing digital paywalls for their media platforms.
In a statement, CNN revealed plans to introduce a paywall that will require “some” visitors to pay $3.99 per month for full access.
“Starting today, we are asking users in the United States to pay a small recurring fee for unlimited access to CNN.com’s world-class articles,” said Alex MacCallum, CNN’s executive vice president of digital products and services.
Currently, average visitors to CNN’s site will not encounter the paywall. MacCallum explained that users would only be prompted to subscribe after reading a “certain number” of free articles.
Subscribers will gain access to exclusive election features, original documentaries, curated articles, and fewer ads.
Meanwhile, Reuters also announced that it would begin offering digital subscriptions for its website and mobile app starting in early October. This subscription plan will be available globally for $1 per week, with Reuters emphasizing that its pricing model is “simple and transparent,” without any “introductory offers or surprise price increases.”
“Trusted, unbiased, agenda-free news is essential in an era rife with misinformation. This new subscription plan ensures Reuters can expand the reach of its award-winning coverage at an affordable price while allowing us to further invest in our reporting and products for subscribers,” stated Reuters President Paul Bascobert.
Users will be able to access a “limited number” of free articles before receiving a subscription offer. The rollout will begin in Canada, followed by several European countries and then the United States.
Over the past decade, numerous news organizations have transitioned to paywalls or subscriber-based funding models to sustain their operations.
These announcements come less than 40 days before the U.S. presidential election.
