Subscriptions are one of the oldest ways for publishers to generate revenue on a regular basis. From hard paywalls to freemium deals, indie publications and established players alike use a variety of strategies to encourage readership and retain subscribers in the face of plummeting advertising rates.
The best news subscription model for your publication will depend on a few factors, including your audience’s ability to pay and your editorial ambitions. If you’re covering a local music scene, for example, it may make sense to offer exclusive perks to your subscriber base rather than relying on a hard digital paywall that will turn away potential fans.
For example, the Kerr County Lead publishes a newsletter for paid members that highlights upcoming concerts and events in their community. By embracing a membership model, they’ve been able to cultivate a loyal following that supports their long-form journalism.
With a single subscription, you can enjoy a world of journalism on all your favorite devices. Read a range of magazines and newspapers from around the globe, with new issues arriving daily. Apple News+ also features professionally narrated articles, and you can listen to the day’s top stories on Apple News Today or catch weekly interviews with leading journalists on In Conversation. Plus, you can download full issues to read offline and access original mini and full-size crosswords updated daily.