Online readers of the National Post and a slate of other Canadian newspapers owned by Postmedia Network Inc. are being asked to start paying for content.
The Post, as well as the Ottawa Citizen, The Province and Vancouver Sun have established "pay meters" on their websites that limit the number of stories that can be read online before users are asked to buy a subscription. The move is part of a plan to drive revenues to help counter lower advertising and print circulation income.
Each of the local papers will charge 99 cents for a 30-day trial period for unlimited access to the website and iPad application. After that, the price will rise to $7.95 per month or $79.50 per year for the Sun or the Province. The Citizen will charge $9.95 per month or $99.50 per year.
Print subscribers already have the digital subscription as part of their package.
Users who do not pay for the subscription will still have access to breaking news stories for free, as well as 15 other articles per month.
At the Post, fees will only apply to international readers. The Post will charge 99 cents for the first 30 days then $9.95 per month or $99.50 per year.
A similar model will be in place at Postmedia's Montreal Gazette, which has already had a metered wall in effect since last year.
Postmedia is following a model that is growing in popularity, particularly in the United States.
