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NY Times: Online Subscription Numbers Grow In First Year
But Will Cut Free Access To Stories, Features
By Gary Krakow
It has been a year since The New York Times unleashed their Web paywall and the powers that be seem pretty pleased with the results so far.
The Times Media Group says they now have more than 450,000 paid digital subscribers. That includes various digital subscriptions packages, e-readers and replica editions of The Times and sister publication The International Herald Tribune.
On the other hand, The Times says they're going to cut free access in half. Beginning in April, non-subscribers will only be able to access ten free stories each month. That's down from 20 stories per month.
Then, as now, after reaching your free limit you'll be asked to begin paying for access.
As part of the one year anniversary, The Times is giving gifts. As a “special thank you” existing digital subscribers and home delivery subscribers who've linked their accounts to the online service will be able to give a gift of a 12-week subscription to the “NY Times.com + Smartphone package” to a (that's one, singular) friend or family member.
The Times wants you to know that online access to the NYTimes.com homepage – and all section fronts – will remain free for all users at all times.