Variety may make website available only to subscribers

The Hollywood trade newspaper next year will end free access to most or all content. Variety is putting a seal on its website.

Starting early next year, most or all of the content on Variety.com will be available only to those who subscribe to the print version or pay for a digital subscription.

Publisher Brian Gott said executives were still considering whether small amounts of content would remain free.

Discussions are also continuing about whether online pricing will be lower than or equivalent to that for the print edition.

Over the last few years, online advertising revenue has failed to grow as many media executives had expected, leading newspapers to consider charging for some or all of their digital content in an effort to boost revenue. LAT

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