(Media News) Reuters and CNN Announce Metered Paywalls for Digital Content

On the same day, Reuters and CNN revealed plans to introduce metered paywalls on their websites, moving towards digital subscription models. Users will have limited free access to articles before being prompted to subscribe.

CNN, the largest US news website, will charge $3.99 monthly for full site access, offering exclusive features, documentaries, and fewer ads. Some content, such as breaking news and the homepage, will remain free. This marks CNN’s latest effort to boost revenue amid challenges in the linear TV sector, with CEO Mark Thompson aiming to build a digital subscription business generating over $1 billion annually.

Reuters will offer full access globally for $1 per week or $4 per month. Reuters’ president, Paul Bascobert, emphasized that the new plan will support expanded coverage and investment in journalism. The subscription will launch in Canada in early October before expanding globally. Reuters previously delayed paywall plans due to a dispute with financial data provider Refinitiv but resumed the initiative after reaching an agreement earlier this year.

Both outlets see digital subscriptions as crucial for their future growth strategies, with Reuters targeting a global rollout and CNN aiming to recover from its earlier failed attempt at a subscription service, CNN+.