Following The Australian's move to digital subscriptions last October, Victorian newspaper Herald Sun will instigate a similar paywall service next month as it launches a new website and mobile site featuring a range of exclusive content.
The re-designed website will showcase enhanced functionality, increased interactivity and a focus on social media engagement, as well exclusive content sections like an interactive AFL match centre called SuperFootyHQ with football news, scores and statistics.
Herald & Weekly Times managing director Peter Blunden said the Herald Sun would use a “freemium” model, with a mix of free and subscription-only content, with breaking news and content that is widely available from other sources remaining available to all users.
Readers will be offered an initial two-month free trial of the Herald Sun Digital Pass, which will provide access to premium content including opinion, exclusive news, sport, entertainment and analysis. March will also see the launch of a branded iPad app.
Blunden said: “We’ve created a new digital offering to meet the changing needs of our readers, while remaining committed to producing Australia’s best newspaper.
“This move is about strengthening that relationship [with our readers] and expanding the ways our readers can connect with us to receive news and information that matters to them."
The launch will be supported by a marketing campaign across TV, press, digital display, digital performance and search media worth more than $5m.
Pricing and packages for the Digital Pass will be unveiled in coming weeks.
Over the last three years around 75 newspapers worldwide have begun charging for online journalism, including The Times and Sunday Times of London and The New York Times.
An announcement about the progress of The Australian’s move to digital subscriptions is expected soon.