Worcester Telegram to charge readers for online content

(NECN: Melissa Toupin, Worcester, Mass.) - A major change is in the works for those who read the Telegram and Gazette online. The newspaper will soon begin charging readers for locally produced news content.

Come summer time the Worcester Telegram & Gazette will be putting a price on getting online local news.


The announcement came Monday that the 143-year-old paper will be charging non subscribers a fee to access local stories.

Viewers will be able to read a pre-determined number of stories before they are asked to pay...a price that is yet to be determined.

In a press release the T&G stated:

"This new business model will open a new revenue stream that will help support the gathering, writing and editing of the quality news our readers cannot get anywhere else."

Gareth Charter of Worcester Magazine says this is a risky move.

The announcement shocked a lot of people especially considering the T&G's sister paper, the Boston Globe, has no plans to charge viewers; Both are owned by the New York Times, who has announced that they will introduce a model similar to the T&G.

Some local readers say they are not willing to purchase something that, in the past, has been free.

Others say they support the Telegram's decision.