Reuters, CNN Join the Paid News Subscription Trend

  • Reuters and CNN are introducing paid subscriptions for their digital news content
  • Thomson Reuters will charge $1 per week for access to its news site and apps in Canada, with plans to expand to the US and Europe
  • CNN is asking users to pay $3.99 a month for unlimited access after reading a certain number of free articles
  • The Verge is considering a paid subscription model as well
  • Ad-supported business models are facing challenges, leading publishers to explore alternative revenue sources
  • Reuters believes its global reach and reputation for trustworthy reporting will help it stand out in the crowded market
  • CNN aims to become a more consumer-oriented digital product company with additional subscription offerings

Thomson Reuters and CNN are introducing paid subscription models for their digital news content as ad-supported business models face challenges. Reuters will charge $1 per week in Canada, expanding to the US and Europe, while CNN’s monthly fee is $3.99 after a certain number of free articles. The Verge is also considering a paid subscription. Publishers hope their global reach and reputation for trustworthy reporting will help them stand out in a crowded market.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Reuters’ decision to start charging readers for its news site and apps, citing examples of other publishers adopting similar strategies. It also discusses the challenges and potential advantages of this move in the current media landscape.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Reuters’ decision to start charging readers for its news site and apps, but it also includes some irrelevant details such as the mention of CNN’s subscription model and their past attempts at launching a streaming video service. Additionally, the article could benefit from more in-depth analysis or discussion on the potential challenges and opportunities that Reuters may face with this change.
Public Companies: Thomson Reuters (TRI), CNN (null)
Private Companies: the Verge
Key People: Paul Bascobert (President of Reuters), Alex MacCallum (Executive Vice President of Digital Products and Services at CNN)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Reuters’ decision to start charging readers for its news site and apps may impact the company’s revenue streams, as well as affect other publishers’ strategies in the crowded news and entertainment subscription market.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Reuters’ shift from an ad-supported business model to a paid subscription model, which could have financial implications for both Reuters and its competitors. This change may impact their revenue streams and potentially affect the overall news and entertainment subscription market.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article, and the main topic is about Reuters starting to charge readers for its news site and apps. The impact of this decision is considered minor as it does not involve any major disasters or crises.
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: Technology
Direction: Up
Magnitude: Small
Affected Instruments: Stocks

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com