For Rupert Murdoch, The Internet is So Over

[Commentary] The Times' all-or-nothing paywall was a shock to the system - but the News of the World's paywall move was even more extreme. Both are examples of the fact that, for Rupert Murdoch the Internet is so over.

Without any inbound or outbound links, and invisible to Google and other search engines, the NotW, Times and Sunday Times don't really have Internet sites - but digitally delivered editions. Readers can now see barely a word beyond the homepage of the second biggest selling newspaper in the UK without handing over their credit or debit card details. It suddenly feels like the age of ubiquitous free online news really is coming to an end. With The Times and Sunday Times there was at least a month's grace where registered readers could sample the site. But this time even to claim a £2 credit for two 24-hour passes, readers need to provide their payment details. The "top people" who read The Times might get their credit cards out online, but will the mass-market readers of the News of the World? And shouldn't a newspaper which sells advertising based on a huge readership as possible be trying to reach as many eyeballs as possible?