The Clare Echo launched a premium model last month which is encouraging readers to sign up as subscribers. But what does it mean and how will it impact the user experience? Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve been getting since launching our subscriber model.
Is all Clare Echo content paywalled now?
Not at all. The majority of our content is still free to all readers however a selection of our published work will be available only to premium subscribers.
What type of content are you asking readers to pay for?
Anything that’s widely available in the public domain will remain free, however some of our exclusive content and in-depth reporting will only be available to subscribers. For our subscribers, we already broke the story of Tony Kelly’s return from injury (https://www.clareecho.ie/kelly-returns-to-action-during-clare-training-match/), and have been publishing exclusive interviews such as Tony Griffin (https://www.clareecho.ie/the-sunday-read-tony-griffin/) and Gordon Deegan (https://www.clareecho.ie/gordon-deegan-it-is-hard-not-to-be-affected-by-some-of-the-stories-i-cover/), to name a couple. We’ve also been keeping subscribers up-to-date on revelations from Ennis Courthouse.
Why have you brought in a premium model?
Every time a news story is published, somebody has been employed to research and write the article and in many cases a photographer has also been commissioned. The more subscribers we attract, the more in-depth journalism we will be able to invest in.
How much does it cost?
If you subscribe now, for a limited time readers will only pay 75c per week (billed as €3 per month). After the first six months, the price will revert to €2 per week – still less than the price of a coffee!
What will the reader get in return for their investment?
Along with full access to all our premium content, subscribers will enjoy an ad-free experience online, have the ability to comment on our website and have the option to receive tailored newsletters which will bring you weekly bulletins on your area of interest.
The ask?
If you care enough about a story to click into the headline and are met by a prompt to subscribe, we appeal that you do just that. By doing so, you are investing in the future of journalism in Clare which will continue to hold those in power to account while keeping the public informed.
To subscribe, visit https://www.clareecho.ie/subscribe/.
