Will the online content of daily newspapers remain free?
For some time now, major foreign media conglomerates have been considering introducing paywalls for newspaper content on the Internet. But what is the stance of Swiss publishers and media companies on this issue? While the NZZ is considering charging for certain online content, Tamedia and Ringier are sticking with free online journalism for the time being.
Is free journalism on the Internet coming to an end? For some time now, major media groups such as the New York Times and Robert Murdoch's News Crop., the world's largest media group, have been considering introducing compulsory charges for newspaper content on the Internet. But how do Swiss publishers and media companies feel about this? NZZ CEO Albert Stäheli is quoted on Newsnetz.ch as saying that NZZ is considering charging for special content such as financial services, specific economic topics or individual commentaries.
The situation is different for the other major Swiss media companies. Tamedia's news portals will remain free of charge for the time being. Experience with 20 Minuten Online and Newsnetz has shown that online content "can generally be financed through advertising", according to Tamedia spokesperson Christoph Zimmer. The aim of this strategy is to achieve the widest possible reach in order to ensure the continued existence of the site. Res Strehle, co-editor-in-chief of the Tagesanzeiger and member of the Newsnetz advisory board, explains that the next few months will probably decide which portals will prevail. At Ringier, however, there is no consensus. According to Marc Walder, Head of Ringier Switzerland, the question of fee-based models does not arise for Blick.ch. Michael Ringier, on the other hand, explained some time ago that it would make no sense to offer all content free of charge. That will change.
The situation is different for the other major Swiss media companies. Tamedia's news portals will remain free of charge for the time being. Experience with 20 Minuten Online and Newsnetz has shown that online content "can generally be financed through advertising", according to Tamedia spokesperson Christoph Zimmer. The aim of this strategy is to achieve the widest possible reach in order to ensure the continued existence of the site. Res Strehle, co-editor-in-chief of the Tagesanzeiger and member of the Newsnetz advisory board, explains that the next few months will probably decide which portals will prevail. At Ringier, however, there is no consensus. According to Marc Walder, Head of Ringier Switzerland, the question of fee-based models does not arise for Blick.ch. Michael Ringier, on the other hand, explained some time ago that it would make no sense to offer all content free of charge. That will change.
Variety of offerings makes it difficult to switch to paid content
The high density of print media in Switzerland makes it difficult to introduce paid content, as readers can switch to free content due to the variety of offerings. Due to the loss of readers, publishers would have to increase prices for advertising space in order to remain profitable. As a result, they run the risk of losing advertising customers to competitors such as Bluewin, which can offer advertising at more attractive prices, says Stephan Suter, head of online marketer Adlink. This is already the case in the USA, where not a single traditional print title is among the ten most-visited websites.
