Giving the readers more than just news

++++++++++++++++++WHAT’S VALUABLE AND WHAT ISN’T? COULD THIS MUSIC MODEL WORK FOR NEWS?+++++++++++++++++++

SO we’re getting to that point where some sections of the British media are taking the bold decision to charge for content. Newspaper firm Johnston Press will charge readers £5 for a three-monthly subscription to read the full articles on some of their locals. If readers don’t want to be charged they will be directed to buy the print edition of the paper.

It’s a bold move because most news, comment, opinion on the net is free. It does raise the issue about what content is valuable, and what isn’t?

There’s a great idea on one blog today on how to boost the music industry. OK, so music isn’t news, but there are some parallels, like charging for content that is valuable, and then not charging for the content that isn’t. On the music point, Michael Castello makes the point that music has ceased to be of any value since the net has come on the scene. More and more people realise that signing up to a service where the music is literally obtainable for next to nothing, is the answer.

Castello makes the point that what should be charged for is content or stuff that has value to the listener. For example, gig tickets, signed copies of an album, artwork, or merchandise such as T-Shirts etc. Everybody who downloads a track of music is a potential fan and a potential money spinner, so why not pull them in by offering to give them something of value after they’ve had their free sample. It’s a lot like the drug dealer parallel. Give them a ‘free’ sample, get them hooked, and then reel them in for more paid stuff, and they’re a customer for life.

So in news terms, we’ve got to ask ourselves, what is valuable in news, and what isn’t? Not all news has the same value? So why not do the same, give them something that is more than just news?

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