The Paywall Paradox: Why News Is Getting More Expensive

Quality journalism isn't getting cheaper. Financial Times just raised its digital subscription to S$99 monthly in Singapore—that's nearly $1,200 annually for news access. For context, that's more than many people spend on streaming services, gym memberships, and coffee subscriptions combined.

The Premium News Economy

The FT's pricing strategy reveals something fascinating about modern media economics. While most digital products get cheaper over time, premium news is moving in the opposite direction. The publication offers multiple tiers: a trial at S$1 for 4 weeks, then jumps to the full monthly rate. Print subscribers pay S$479 annually (down from S$715), but digital-only readers face the highest per-month costs.

This isn't just about Singapore. Globally, premium news outlets are betting that a smaller base of high-paying subscribers beats a larger audience of casual readers. The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist have all followed similar trajectories—fewer readers, higher prices, better margins.

What's Driving the Price Surge?

Three forces are reshaping news economics. First, advertising revenue continues its decade-long collapse as Google and Meta capture most digital ad spending. Second, production costs haven't decreased—quality journalism still requires expensive reporters, editors, and fact-checkers. Third, news organizations discovered that their most engaged readers will pay premium prices for exclusive access.

The FT's package reveals this strategy: 20+ newsletters, exclusive analysis, mobile apps, and 20 monthly gift articles. They're not just selling news—they're selling a curated information ecosystem for professionals who can expense it or write it off.

The Information Divide Widens

Here's where it gets uncomfortable. As premium news becomes more expensive, free news becomes more unreliable. Social media algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy. AI-generated content floods search results. Meanwhile, quality journalism retreats behind increasingly expensive paywalls.

This creates two information ecosystems: one for those who can afford $100+ monthly for multiple news subscriptions, another for everyone else relying on free (and often misleading) sources. The implications for democratic discourse are troubling.