Sun-Times Media online sites to begin metered pay plan

The Chicago Sun-Times and its sister publications in the suburbs will start charging for online access, joining the ranks of newspapers looking for revenue from digital sources.

Access to web sites controlled by Sun-Times Media LLC will be governed by a “metered” pay plan starting Thursday. Web site users will get 20 free page views at any Sun-Times-affiliated site every 30 days, and will be required to buy an online subscription for additional access.

“We think the time is long overdue for us to begin charging for our content,” said Jeremy Halbreich, Sun-Times Media chairman. “It is certainly award-winning content and we need to find new ways to support it.”

Sun-Times Media online sites to begin metered pay plan