The Economist's new subscription tier pilots in Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, in a bid to attract 'globally-minded audiences' and adapt to changing news habits
The Economist has introduced a new subscription tier called Play, offering a curated mix of audio and video journalism, interactive games, and exclusive newsletters. Starting 1 July, Play is available as a regional pilot in Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, aiming to attract audiences seeking digestible, multimedia news experiences.
Subscribers to Play will get access to The Economist Insider — twice-weekly in-depth conversations with editors and global experts — alongside premium podcasts, daily audio briefings, short-form videos, and a suite of crosswords and quizzes. The tier builds on the momentum of last year’s Insider launch, which featured high-profile interviews and deep-dive discussions on global affairs.
Jacob Granger
Existing Podcasts+ subscribers in the pilot regions will be upgraded to Play at no extra cost, while premium subscribers retain all Play benefits. The move reflects The Economist's strategy to reach new, globally-minded audiences and adapt to changing news consumption habits in the AI era.
Monthly pricing for Play is set at CAD 19.80 (Canada), DKK 149.00 (Denmark), NOK 169.00 (Norway), and SEK 189.00 (Sweden) – roughly between £10 to £17 a month.
This article was drafted by an AI assistant before it was edited by a human.