Germany's largest newspaper enacts paywall
Berlin - Germany's largest daily newspaper, Bild, is to introduce a paywall for some of its online content beginning next month, its publisher said Monday.
Monthly subscriptions ranging from 4.99 to 14.99 euros (6.45 to 19 dollars) will be offered starting June 11 for computers, smartphones and tablets, while purchasers of the printed paper will receive a pass that allows them to view online content, the Axel Springer publishing house said.
Large portions of the bild.de website will remain free, but exclusive reports, interviews and some photos will be available only for a fee, editor Manfred Hart said.
Football fans will be able to pay a premium to view highlights video for an additional 2.99 euros per month.
The move comes as more media outlets worldwide experiment with charging for online content that has drawn readers away from print publications and lowered advertising rates.
"Independent journalism only has a chance in the digital world when it can be financed with advertising and sales revenues like the classic print business," said Andreas Wiele, member of the executive board.//DPA