In Slovakia, News Outlets Take Cue From Cable

The newspaper industry is in trouble; cable television, despite the same challenges, is thriving. Could newspapers learn something from the cable guys? In tiny Slovakia, publishers want to find out. Borrowing the cable TV business model, in which a single monthly payment brings mainstream networks, news channels and nutty talk show hosts into people’s living rooms, they are bundling their Web sites to create a more diverse offering. For €2.90, or $4.20, a month, starting in May, users will get full access to the Web sites of the two leading broadsheets, SME and Pravda. Also included will be the sites of business and sports newspapers, magazines, a TV network, online video portals and a media news service. Until now, the sites have mostly been free.