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SXSW Panel: The Great Paywall Experiment - Evolving Digital Subscription Models
Time/Date: 5 p.m., Saturday (hashtag: #SXSWpaywalls)
Panelists: Daniel Bernard, The Wall Street Journal; Heather Hollis; Electonic Arts; Daniel Mandell; Wenner Media; Donald Chestnut; SapientNitro.
The gist: Newspapers, magazines and other publishers are trying to find ways to make good experience for readers across new platforms like the iPad and mobile phones, but it’s a challenge to not only identify them but to figure out a good way to price that content. Many of the users who are willing to subscribe to an all-access pass for a news or gaming service are niche users and brand-oriented. It was a subdued panel in a big half-full room that many audience members didn’t stick around to watch through the end.
Takeaways: As is the case in 99 percent of journalism panels related to money, nobody seems to have any solid answers. The Wall Street Journal seems to have figured out how to monetize its content in a variety of ways, but it has a very loyal audience that’s much different than what typical magazines and newspapers are dealing with.
- Omar L. Gallaga
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment Categories: Austin, Internet, SXSW, SXSW 2011
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By Michael T
March 12, 2011 7:36 PM | Link to this
Omar, thanks for the panel review. I could not make this session and really appreciate post.