Paywalls, free sources and library access to news
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More news organisations now ask readers to pay, through subscriptions, memberships or donations. That pays for reporting, but it can make following the news feel expensive. There are many legitimate ways to read good journalism without paying for everything yourself, and a few things worth knowing about how paywalls work.
Types of paywall
- Hard paywalls require a subscription for almost everything.
- Metered paywalls let you read a set number of articles over a period before asking you to pay.
- Freemium models keep most news free but put some content, such as analysis, features or archives, behind a subscription.
- Registration walls ask you to create a free account and sign in, often in exchange for a few more articles.
- Membership or donation models keep everything free and ask readers who can afford it to contribute voluntarily.
Free sources worth knowing
- Public service broadcasters in many countries publish news websites, apps and podcasts that are free to use.
- News agencies publish some of their reports on their own websites, and their copy also appears free on many other sites.
- Nonprofit newsrooms fund investigative and local reporting through donations and grants, and often allow other outlets to republish their work.
- Official sources such as government statistics agencies, courts, parliaments and international organisations publish primary documents and data directly.
- Newsletters from many outlets offer a free daily or weekly summary even when the website is paywalled.
- Podcasts and radio are often free and can be a good way to follow a story in depth.
Library access
Public libraries are one of the most underused routes to the news.
- Digital newspaper and magazine services. Many libraries subscribe to services that let members read current editions of newspapers and magazines on a phone, tablet or computer, often from home, using a library card number.
- News databases. Libraries often provide archives of past articles, useful for research and for following how a story developed.
- In-branch copies. Printed newspapers and magazines are usually available to read for free in the library.
- University and college libraries usually give students and staff access to extensive news databases.
What is available varies a great deal between library services, so check your library's website or ask at the desk. Joining is usually free for people who live, work or study in the area.
Other legitimate options
- Gift or shared links. Some subscribers can send a limited number of free-to-read links to friends.
- Introductory offers. Many outlets run discounted trials. Note when they end and whether they renew automatically.
- Student, educator and concession rates are offered by some publishers.
- Workplace or school access. Some employers and schools provide subscriptions as a benefit.
- Bundles. Some services combine several publications in one subscription.
What to avoid
- Paywall-bypass tools and copied articles may break the publisher's terms, and sites hosting copied content can carry malware or alter the text.
- Unofficial apps claiming free access to paid publications can be scams designed to collect payment details.
- Subscription traps. Read the cancellation terms before signing up, and set a reminder before any trial ends.
Deciding what to pay for
If you want to pay for some news, a useful approach is to choose one or two sources you use most and value most, often a local outlet and one with broader coverage, and rely on free and library sources for the rest. Local news in particular depends heavily on reader support.
How do you get your news without paying for everything? Share your favourite legitimate tips in the comments.