Newspaper publishers to consider charging for digital content

Newspaper publishers across the world have been asked to agree on charging for access to digital content on their websites and other mobile devices while at the same time ensuring quality and credibility in their contents.

 “I strongly feel that newspapers all over the world should join hands to reach a consensus on charging for content,” President of World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers, Jacob Mathew said yesterday.

 Mr. Mathew was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 64th World Newspaper Congress and the 16th World Editors’ Forum holding in Kiev, Ukraine. The congress which will run from September 3 - 5 is being attended by top management, editorial, business and production technology representatives from 90 countries.

“Globally speaking, newspapers are facing the greatest challenges of their lives, thanks to the rapid strides in the publishing industry.

“Readers today spend a lot of time on the internet searching for news and information and it has redefined publishing greatly. To survive in the digital era, we must use new tools, re-organise our organisational systems and news room structures in a way that will generate revenue from new mediums and devices such as smart phones and tablets.

“We must also pay much attention to creating and showcasing quality content. As it is in most parts of the world, newspaper circulations are under pressure. The irony is that freeloaders are profiting from the content we have worked hard to create.

“We have spent tremendous resources on creating this content and there is no reason why we should give it away free or let others liberally help themselves to it. Good content will always remain supreme as the fundamentals of newspaper. There is an increasing trend showing a willingness to pay for credible and quality journalism,” he told delegates.

One of the highlights of the occasion was the presentation of the Golden Pen Award to Mexican journalist, Anabel Hernández by Erik Bjerager, President, World Editors Forum for her brave and steadfast fight against corruption in government and the operations of drug cartels in her country.