These two papers are part of Barrnon Media, an independent media group providing news to communities across Cumbria, added Axate.
The Cumberland & Westmorland Herald was launched in 1860, and The Keswick Reminder published its first edition in 1896. For more than a century, these papers have been reporting from the heart of their communities. Until now, their online product has been free to access; but since many of their traditional sources of income, like advertising, have shrunk dramatically in recent years, they are turning to reader revenue for a more sustainable business model.
Barrnon Media have implemented Axate’s casual payment system across two of their titles. Premium articles now cost 10p, and when customers have paid to read three articles in a week, they get unlimited reading for the rest of the week - a bit like the cover price of a printed paper. They are also using Axate to offer monthly subscriptions alongside their pay-per-article offering.
“We’re looking forward to experimenting with a new way for readers to support our work so that we can better serve them in return," Nicole Regan, digital editor at Barrnon Media said. “Journalism costs money to produce, and the income generated from this will help us sustain and build on our commitment to quality journalism. Our readers are at the heart of what we do, so earning their loyalty and directly rewarding it is the best way to ensure our longevity. Those who use the new system can be assured they are not only getting great value for money and unique content but also helping secure the future of their local newspaper and support independent journalism.”
“We’re really delighted to be adding yet another innovative, community-focussed and independent local news publisher to our growing network of Axate sites,” said Dominic Young, Axate’s founder and CEO. “Building a more sustainable future for local news needs collaboration. Our main focus is on what readers want and what works for publishers. Our consultancy and advice, based on what we have learned from dozens of launches, is an inherent part of what we offer to clients such as Barrnon Media.”
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