Schenectady, NY, paper to drop most free online content, Web ads don’t materialize

NY newspaper to drop most free online content

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — The Daily Gazette of Schenectady will resume charging for online content after offering free access to most articles and photos since late 2007.

Judy Patrick, the newspaper’s managing editor, says that starting Aug. 3, the electronic edition and additional material will be available only to home delivery subscribers or through a $2.95 monthly online-only subscription. Some breaking news, blogs and features will remain on a free site. Before December 2007, the Gazette charged for its electronic edition, a mirror of the print version’s content.

In her column Sunday, Patrick said the change will protect the value of the newspaper’s work and reward readers willing to pay. She said Tuesday that hoped-for online advertising revenue didn’t materialize.