Main Stream Media Using Paywall/Metering System’s A Victory For Alternative Outlets Or The Beginning Of the Internet 2?

by Terry Wilson
Canadian Awareness Network
August 13, 2013

Nearly one year ago, we noticed that the Hamilton Spectator had begun charging a monthly fee to access their online content. Offering the ability to view six online news articles a month for free with the option to subscribe to their publication to view more. The Waterloo Region Record, Globe and Mail and National Post have also implemented the same “paywall” systems to their websites.

The parent corporations, Torstar and Postmedia have also shut down YourMississaugaBiz and YourHamiltonBiz. Both those websites where short lived “paywalled” small business news websites. Bob Hepburn, a spokesman for Torstar stated: “It’s a business decision based on the economic conditions,” Source

As of today Canada’s largest main stream propaganda outlet, the Toronto Star has begun the “paywalled” or metered access system to their website. “This marks a major transition for the Star that will help us provide, in print and online, the best and most comprehensive package of news and information in Canada,” Star publisher John Cruickshank wrote in a brief article in the paper.

The first month of digital access costs 99 cents, then $9.99 a month plus HST after that, but will be free for home subscribers who meet certain conditions. Source

I do enjoy the spin that John Cruickshank is pushing as the reason for this change, but let’s face the facts. In the era of independent and alternative online news, offering information for free. The main stream is economically failing. The CBC, Sun news, and scores of other main stream propaganda outlets are barely keeping a float. Mostly relying on government subsidies to survive.

Are these new fee’s are nothing more than the three corporations who own all main stream media in Canada Source, attempting to maintain their monopoly because of the huge rise of independent news outlets?

Our could it be a step into the direction of the “internet 2″ system. Which you can learn about in the below video.

At this point it is to early to say if this is a move towards independent media replacing the propaganda centers, or a move to more corporate control. But one thing is for sure. We will remain as vigilant as ever to bring you all of the developing information.