Hearst Connecticut to launch paywall

Hearst Connecticut Media Group is planning to add a paywall to its premium section that has content from six different newspapers; Connecticut Post, New Haven Register, Danbury News-Times, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time and Norwalk Hour.

Paywalls and subscriptions have become an important source of revenue for newspapers in light of the growing threat from digital rivals. Matt DeRienzo, vice president of news and digital content, Hearst Connecticut Media Group said, “We decided to create a premium section that engages readers with exclusive content and welcomes their participation. We wanted to build a whole experience around that.”

Readers already subscribed to the print and digital editions of the newspaper will not be charged extra to access the premium section. Additionally, readers will also be able to take part in live chats with reporters, columnists, as well as join a subscriber-only Facebook group.

“A significant investment goes into employing the reporters, photographers and editors who cover local schools and government, breaking news and crime, local sports, business, and state issues,” DeRienzo said. “Many readers want to support this kind of level of local journalism.”