The New York Timesis suspending its paywall for 72 hours, from November 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, November 7 until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 9, to allow uninhibited
digital access to its content for the “the lead-up through the aftermath” of the presidential election on November 8.
"This is an important moment for our country.
Independent journalism is crucial to democracy, and I believe there is no better time to show readers the type of original journalism The New York Times creates every day,” stated Arthur
Sulzberger Jr.
The Wall Street Journal and The New York Timeshave a tradition
of lowering their online paywalls for presidential election coverage and other important national events.
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In 2012, NYT
and WSJ lifted their online paywalls for coverage of Hurricane Sandy, giving readers free access to important information regarding the weather emergency, such as location of shelters, lists of
school closings and maps of evacuation zones.
In 2011, NYT pulled down its paywall during Hurricane Irene, as well.
Offering free digital access during major
events has the potential to boost online ad revenue and attract new subscribers, an important part of legacy publishers’ businesses.
In addition, next week
NYT will broadcast live
presidential and senate election coverage and will live stream on The
Times’ Facebook page, starting at 4:30 p.m. ET on election day.