TORONTO – After several other renowned newspapers implemented paywalls for internet content, publishers at the Toronto Star are hoping that none of their online readers know how to clear their browser’s cookies.
“The profitability of newsprint has been suffering as of late” said John Cruickshank, Publisher of the Star. “We took the decision to create a paywall website for our newspaper. Non-subscribers will be required to pay a small fee – unless they have basic computer literacy skills; then we’re screwed.”
“But that’s three, very challenging mouse clicks separating the consumer from free unlimited access” Cruickshank concluded while unwinding on his leather sofa.
The Star boasts that online subscribers will have special access to a diverse set of investigative articles including “Mayor Ford drives car to work”, “Ford hasn’t resigned yet” and “Rob Ford gives suspicious look to journalist in bushes.”
