Local newspapers now charging for online content

The Vancouver Sun and the Province are now charging for online content. Aug. 21, 2012. (CTV)

B.C. newspapers the Vancouver Sun and Province are no longer offering their online content for free -- a monthly digital subscription will now be required to access all articles.

The two Postmedia Network newspapers announced on their websites Monday they will now operate under a metered pay model.

Print subscribers will have unlimited access to all digital content, including apps, as soon as they register and a digital-only subscription costs 99 cents for the first month, and $7.95 per month after that.

Casual website users will continue to get breaking news for free and up to 15 free articles a month. Access to the newspapers homepages will also remain free.

A Postmedia Network sales representative confirmed one subscription will provide access to all of the company’s 10 newspapers, including the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen, across Canada.

The two publications join several newspapers around the world who have already implemented a pay structure for online content. The New York Times and the Guardian already charge for digital access and the Globe and Mail plans to charge for web content in the fall.

Editor in chief of the Province Wayne Moriarty explained the change on their website.

“The truth is, good journalism isn’t free and we need to find a new business model to help pay for it,” Moriarty wrote.

Have your say: Do you think news organizations should charge for online content?