According to recent reports, it looks like those (myself included) who have been reading the free content on the Wall Street Journal app for the iPhone may be in for a surprise because that free content is going to become not so free.
The news is coming courtesy of Paid Content who are reporting that Rupert Murdoch has announced that the Wall Street Journal app on the iPhone (and BlackBerry) will soon cost $2 per week.
It was also noted that a date when they will begin charging has not yet been announced, however it was noted as coming within a few months.
All in all, disappointing news, but not all that surprising. While I hate to say that I will no longer use the app once it becomes paid, I feel that I am not alone in that statement. Personally, I used the app because it was free, I was never a regular WSJ reader and as a casual user I am still able to get most of the same topics covered in a variety of other places.
[via TUAW]
September 16th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I believe the WSJ will regret its decision. Many readers will simply switch to Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg or similar sites for their financial news. Economics are clearly driving the WSJ decision but they should adopt the approach adopted by their competitors – more on-line advertising. Less professional? Sure, but most of us are accustomed to it. I hope the Journal rethinks their decision.