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APN announces it will launch paywalls for its regional newspapers

APNNewspaper publisher APN News & Media has joined News Corp and Fairfax Media in announcing it will launch a metered paywall system for its publications.

The move, which will see APN’s Queensland daily newspapers be the first to take up metered digital subscriptions, was confirmed by CEO Michael Miller who said: “We firmly believe the introduction of a content‐driven metered subscription model to our regional audiences will grow news media revenues over time, as has been demonstrated in international markets.”

APN’s announcement was made at an investor day and comes just days after Miller in an interview with Mumbrella warned that some of the US publishers who are taking down their paywalls are “giving up too early”.

Hear Miller’s full interview below: 

Australian Regional Media will become the first regional publisher to introduce a paywall which will begin in the second half of 2015.

Adshel launch digital outdoor panels in Sydney's rail network last year

Adshel launch digital outdoor panels in Sydney’s rail network last year

APN’s Queensland publications include the Sunshine Coast Daily, The Gympie Times,Gladstone’s The Observer, Mackay’s Daily Mercury and Rockhampton’s The Morning Bulletin.

News Corp and Fairfax both introduced paywalls across most of their major mastheads in 2013 while The West Australian has flagged it is looking at introducing paywalls as well.

The company also announced that in June 2015 its outdoor advertising company Adshel will commence the digitisation of 35 of its most prominent roadside locations across Auckland CBD and key fringe suburbs.

The move it designed to offer marketers across the Tasman greater flexibility, relevance and engagement in their campaigns.

“We continue to expand our digital capabilities and audiences through investment in infrastructure,” said Miller. “The launch of Adshel’s street furniture digital network will broaden consumer reach and revenues across Australia and New Zealand.”

It comes months after Adshel rolled digital signs on Sydney’s rail network.

Nic Christensen 

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