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Reuters and CNN have announced new paywalls on their websites that will charge some of their visitors for news.
What Reuters is doing: Reuters confirmed that it would launch a digital subscription plan starting at $1 per week, beginning in early October in Canada and later expanding to Europe and the US. According to Reuters, those visiting their website will have access to a limited number of free articles before being prompted to subscribe. In a statement, Reuters president Paul Bascobert said, “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.”
What CNN is doing: CNN confirmed it would roll out a similar digital subscription plan, charging $3.99 per month for “frequent” US visitors after they view a certain number of free articles. According to the company, the subscription will provide access to exclusive election coverage, original documentaries, curated articles, and fewer advertisements. The company noted that key sections like the homepage, including breaking news, will remain free.
This comes as many news companies have struggled to generate revenue due to a combination of declining traditional revenue streams and the challenges of adapting to the rise of news on nontraditional platforms like X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. With fewer people subscribing to print newspapers and the steady drop in television viewership, advertising revenues from these sources have plummeted, resulting in significant cuts to newsrooms.
Recently, Scripps News announced it would be laying off 200 employees and shutting down its television channel as part of a significant restructuring effort due to a loss of revenue. According to Scripps, the company plans to focus more on digital platforms and streaming, aligning with broader industry trends prioritizing online news consumption over traditional TV.
