[Deleted User]

1. Is the paywall working?

Based on the data and information provided it would appear the paywall is failing miserably and hasn’t caught the eye of the consumers. Overall, the cost benefit analysis shows a decline in subscribers and online content access isn’t growing at the scale they would hope. Consistent viewers will likely continue on, however; others with less engagement in their newspaper will likely transition over to other resources.

3. Why are the newspapers in trouble?

Ultimately, a systematic and coordinated transition plan with safer benchmarks as they incorporate technology and social media would probably help them. I believe they are in trouble in part, because they fail to truly understand the new market and are playing catch up. Being proactive, promoting forward growth and evaluating such an ever-changing business should be at the forefront of their operations one would think. Digital media and technology are rapidly evolving and it’s hard to keep up with.

4. Should the Times actively transition?

I think a tiered system, that’s well thought out with the end goal being the transition to digital. Costs to maintain the print edition and a diminishing viewership paint a clear picture for the transition. The marketing strategy has to change from the status quo.