A paywall blocks access to a webpage until payment is made. Paywalls are used by some periodical publications to restrict access to online content. The 2011 State of the News Media Report from Pew Research Center found key findings about the state of different media industries such as newspapers, online, local TV, and cable. It also had special reports on mobile news and issues around paying for online content.

1. Journalism Today – Part #2 COM 13500 Introduction to Journalism

2. Today’s Concepts – Part 2 What is a paywall? State of the News Media Report

3. What is a paywall? A paywall (or pay wall) blocks access to a webpage with a screen requiring payment. Web sites that use them include some owned by periodical publications. (Source: Wikipedia) PaidContent.org Article Mashable Article

4. Group Activity Pew Research Center for Project for Excellence in Journalism – State of the Media Report 2011; An Annual Report on American Journalism http://stateofthemedia.org/ Newspapers Online Local TV Cable Special Reports: Mobile News and Paying Online In your groups, go over the article together and pull out the key findings. Share them with the class. Each person in the group should contribute.