• by Ray Schultz , February 21, 2024

The Guardian has been widely cheered for not having a paywall. But the applause may not last for long. 

The UK-based news publication is planning to restrict readers to 20 free articles on its app. Or so says City A.M.

“Following a successful trial that began in April 2022, a key element of our global supporter strategy is the evolution of our long-standing paid-for news app through the introduction of an app meter, which asks regular readers to support the Guardian to enable us to continue investing in our journalism and our digital products,” a Guardian spokesperson told City A.M.

It is not clear if the article limit will also apply to non-paid app readers who come in via search or to US readers. 

This is happening as The Guardian is anticipating a £39 million loss this year and employees are worried about layoffs, City A.M. continues. 

At the same time, Guardian US has been hiring staff and the publication has been announcing other initiatives, including a lifestyle/health vertical in the US and a content deal with Sony Pictures. 

Last year, a study by Reuters Institute and University of Oxford found that 21% of consumers paid for online news in the 12 months prior to the research, versus a 20-country average of 17%. In contrast, 39% paid in Norway, 33% in Sweden, 22% in Australia and 21% in Finland. Only 11% subscribe in Germany and 9% in the UK.