[ad_1]
The Daily Memphian, a nonprofit news website in Memphis, is also part of this wave and contributes the bulk of its readers’ income. It launched in 2018 in response to the downsizing of the local newspaper Commercial Appeal. Eric Barnes, CEO of the publication, said that about 17,000 subscribers pay $99 a year (or $12.99 a month) for The Memphian, and they renew their subscriptions 90 percent of the time. Advertising sales, sponsorships and donations pay for the remainder of the $5 million annual budget that supports 38 newsrooms.
“People have paid for news for decades,” said Mr Barnes. “Why can’t they pay now?”
He added that the obligation to stick with subscribers affects The Memphian’s journalism, with an emphasis on simple articles on local issues. For example, publication linked to readers through its scope replacement East Memphis view of the elegant Century Building with Woodie’s Wash Shack convenience store and car wash.
Mr Barnes said he was opposed to offering discounts to subscribers, a strategy supported by Matt Lindsay, head of subscription consultant Mather Economics, and that the price of the subscription was not the main factor for readers who refused to renew.
“It’s usually another reason,” said Mr Lindsay, whose clients include The New York Times. “Every day they lose the habit of reading, there is another competition for their entertainment, someone else has caught their attention.”
Business news site Quartz started in the days of giveaway journalism and transitioned to asking readers to pay in 2018. In addition to the 1.3 million regular readers of the newsletters still available for free, they have 27,000 subscribers who pay $99.99. A Quartz spokesperson said once a year (or $14.99 a month) and the renewal rate is 97 percent.
“Listening to and responding to readers is essential for retention,” said Katherine Bell, editor-in-chief.
[ad_2]
Source link