The Times is Dead. Long Live The Times!

Rupert Murdoch’s long awaited paywall has moved one step closer to implementation, with the closing down of the Times’ timesonline.co.uk website.

In its place, NewsCorp has launched thetimes.co.uk and thesundaytimes.co.uk, both of which feature a prominent login bar, making the move to paid-for content clear.

Following a high profile spat with Google over the Google News Service, Murdoch’s NewsCorp announced their proposed move to paid content last year. The Times will be the first to charge, with users expected to pay £2 per week for news and commentary. Debate has raged over whether NewsCorp’s other sites (including The Sun’s official site) will follow suit, but the success of The Times’ paywall may lead to more paid for content from major news providers.

So, over to you. Will you be willing to pay for online news? If you currently read The Times online, will you stump up or move on?