The New York Times is going to put in what many are calling a “pay wall.” And, I’m glad. I want to pay for good content. The only way to keep content “good” is to help defray the cost of reporters and editors. 
Nearly half of Americans say they get some local news and information on their cell phone or tablet computer. The study, by Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, found that 23% said they would pay $5 per month for full local newspaper access; 18 % would pay $10 per month, 75% said they wouldn’t pay any amount.
The problem is that people feel that local news and information is already available for free—70% said the loss of a local paper would have a minimal impact. People who currently pay for local news in some form tend to be white, female and older, with higher household income and education levels. They also tend to be longtime community residents.
Other than a smile, I’ve never received anything of value for free. You get what you pay for, and there always seems to be a hidden price.
It seems to me that the quality of news on the Internet is becoming more and more suspect. I want quality news and reporting. I wish the New York Times well—and I’ll pay for it.
Source: John S. and James L Knight Foundation by Pew Research Center’s American Life Project and Project for Excellence in Journalism. January 2011.
