At its core, it is really a simple question — albeit with lots of complex answers — that I have asked a few times before: What is it worth for readers to be able to access local news from anywhere?

This is a question with which Leader Publications and, ultimately, the entire newspaper industry continues to struggle. While adding unique advantages and opportunities, the Internet has also created a huge conundrum for newspapers and other media trying to find a balance between serving readers and giving away for free the content that costs a significant amount of money to produce.

Over the years, asking in columns like this and talking to the community, I have heard a wide variety of answers ranging from not a penny to hundreds of dollars a year.

Newspapers and others content-generators like TV and magazines have used various options over the years in attempt to monetize websites. These include pay walls, metered access, premium content, limited availability to nonpaying readers and a variety of other approaches.

So, what is the correct answer? No one knows.

The reality may be that there isn’t one; that no one-size-fits-all solution exists.

So, it was with this balancing act in mind that I chose to ask online readers for a few seconds of their time rather than their hard-earned money.

By now most visitors to Leader’s web sites have seen the Google Consumer Surveys that require readers to answer a couple of questions to access our full content. These surveys have been on the site for several months but I have expanded them beyond just the archives.

This was not a decision that was made lightly. It is simply a consequence of the ever-evolving structure of how news organizations overcome the costs associated with gathering and disseminating information while remaining a viable business at the same time.

This information isn’t linked back to individuals. Big Brother isn’t watching. Google is interested in the aggregated results because their clients pay big money to understand how consumers think and what drives purchase decisions.

Online content like these surveys and other advertising help justify providing access to our content for free, but the reality is it still generates a fraction of what it takes to professionally gather and disseminate information, which is at the core of what newspapers do.

Will online access to newspapers always be free? No one can predict the future.

So, back to the original question: What is it worth to you as a reader to be able to access local news in whatever format you prefer?

I welcome feedback on this and the surveys or anything else.

As I said, I value your opinion and want to save you money.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.