New Statesman launches INSTANT and a Paywall online: March 2018
The New Statesman is launching NS INSTANT – allowing readers to access the full print magazine before it hits the news-stands.
Alongside this, for the first time the New Statesman will charge for full and unlimited access to its website.
Readers will still be able to view a limited number of articles for free each month. However, those who get the most out of the New Statesman will be asked to create a free account to read a little more; or sign up for a digital, or combined print and digital, subscription for full, unlimited access and exclusive content.
The introduction of this metered paywall is designed to allow the New Statesman to maintain its reach and impact, while laying the foundations to secure the long-term future of the 105-year-old progressive publication.
Those taking out digital subscriptions, either on their own or as part of a bundle with the print magazine, will receive exclusive content, including regular long reads, early access to the New Statesman’s hugely popular podcasts, as well as subscriber-only new launches. Digital and bundled subscribers will also be able to receive a weekly email from award-winning columnist Stephen Bush, as well as priority booking and discounts on all New Statesman events, and subscriber-only offers.
The introduction of NS INSTANT will mean that the full weekly magazine is available to digital and bundled subscribers on Wednesday evening – before the print edition hits the shelves.
Subscribers to both the digital and bundled offers will also benefit from an “ad-light” experience behind the paywall.
New Statesman digital editor Jasper Jackson said: “In the world of instant content, there is still a place for considered, quality journalism. The New Statesman intends to take advantage of digital distribution to offer our world-class journalism faster to our most loyal readers, while asking those who get the most out of the New Statesman to pay. Launching NS INSTANT and charging for our online content will help us broaden our subscription base and bring us closer to our most engaged readers.”
In a letter to readers, Editor-in-chief Jason Cowley said: “There’s no denying that we are living through an era of extraordinary politics, and the world is changing fast. Between fake news and Twitter bots, it’s hard to know who or what can be trusted. For more than a century, the New Statesman has been Britain’s leading weekly political and cultural magazine – offering everything from progressive ideas, to book reviews, and insightful interviews. Led by our firm commitment to truth-telling and quality, we publish world-class journalism on the issues that matter most. Recent years have seen our print magazine revitalised, while our website has continued to introduce many more readers to our celebrated journalism.”
“But great writing isn’t cheap, and we don’t want to rely on advertisers alone. While we’re happy for you to continue to read some of our content for free, we’re asking those who get the most out of the New Statesman online to contribute. In return, we’ll ensure we keep providing the high-quality journalism you’ve come to expect from the New Statesman, both in print and through our new and improved digital offering.”
For further information: Maria Kasapis, Head of Brands and Marketing; maria.kasapis@compelo.com
