FT stands by online paid-for model

by Media Week Media Week 20-Nov-07

The Financial Times will stick with its current paid-for model, even if the Wall Street Journal makes all of its online content available for free, according to its chief executive, John Ridding.

Ridding said he was "absolutely confident" that FT.com would continue to
expand its online readership, even if its rival stopped its subscription
service, because a one-size-fits-all model "didn't work".

"Readers should be able to choose the level of the relationship they

have with their newspaper, not the other way around," he said.

"We feel that the model we have introduced is a smart and flexible
approach, and we believe it offers content and value."

He added: "People are prepared to pay for quality, independent
journalism."

Rupert Murdoch has indicated to shareholders that he would like to
abolish charges for the WSJ when News Corporation acquires its parent
company Dow Jones next month.

Content on FT.com is partially accessible. A "light" registration is
needed to view more than five articles.

After 30 articles are viewed in a month, the user is required to pay a
subscription fee.