Spectator to charge for magazine content online

This article was migrated from an old version of our website in 2025. As a result, it might have some low-quality images or non-functioning links - if there's any issues you'd like to see fixed, get in touch with us at info@journalism.co.uk.

There used to be something here that couldn't be migrated - please contact us at info@journalism.co.uk if you'd like to see this updated! The Spectator will charge for access to magazine content published online, as part of a new strategy to help protect the print edition and further separate the title's print and online operations.

Its owner, Press Holdings Media Group, announced today that the site would introduce a number of new charges for access, including an email subscription and digital edition package, starting with immediate effect. Last week Guido Fawkes' blog speculated that the site would introduce a pay wall around its print content online. The web-only content, such as the site's Coffee House blog, would remain free, the post predicted.

According to today's announcement, a new subscription to Spectator Digital, e-editions of the print magazine online, will cost £67.50 for a year.

An e-mail version of the magazine will be available for £3.20 - the same price as the print edition.

"The idea of a magazine or newspaper giving away its content for free over the internet was never particularly logical, but the industry was feeling its way in a new market. The Spectator has now agreed a clear business model, online and offline," said Andrew Neil, chairman and editor-in-chief of The Spectator, in the release.

"Our website is profitable within its own right, through advertisers and sponsors, and its bespoke online content will remain free. But the magazine is a distinct entity and has to be paid for; we are asking those who want to read its superb content to pay for it and we have come up with a variety of ways in which they can do so."

Print subscription deals now available include £12 for 12 issues or £135 for a year's subscription of 52 issues, with both including free access to the current issue of the magazine online and archive access. Subscribers will be issued with an identity number for accessing magazine articles online.

The Spectator is no stranger to charging for online content and has used a pay wall on the site in the past. Its decision to reintroduce a pay wall follows recent industry debate about charging for online content.

This week Rupert Murdoch announced plans to charge for mobile access to the Wall Street Journal , while last month, Guardian News & Media's director of digital content Emily Bell said the site would not erect pay walls around its news content, despite considering a members' club.

New developments for the site

Spectator Mobile, an iPhone app for the magazine, is also in development.

As part of the changes to the site, access to online-only content, such as the site's Coffee House blog , will remain free.

"The website is already self-financing from sponsorship and banner advertising, with online revenues increasing fast. Spectator online is developing a life of its own, distinct from the magazine while sharing many of its writers and zeitgeist," said the release.

A new collective blog for art and entertainment, Cappucino Culture , and a new blog from Rod Liddle have also been announced. Novelist Susan Hill is also to write a blog for the title.

Last month Matthew D'Ancona stepped down as editor. Replacement Fraser Nelson took up the reins just last week.

According to the Independent's report on D'Ancona's departure, circulation of the print edition rose from 61,000 to 75,000 during his editorship, while unique users to the site had increased by 70 per cent since his appointment in 2006.

Related reading on Journalism.co.uk:

Blogs are 'print journalism pornography', says Andrew Neil