FT Could Charge for Video

The Financial Times is mulling whether to charge consumers for access to its video content, reports Laura Oliver of Journalism.co.uk.

Oliver writes, “The FT’s videos, which include individual series such as long-form interview programme View From the Top, are currently free to view, but this has been a predominantly technology-driven decision, said Pinches, who was part of a panel discussing the future of video, organised by Beet.tv.

“‘It’s not a given that video should be free. Some of the most valuable content we have is video content,’ he said, adding that the value comes from both user engagement and a premium on video advertising.

‘”We’re going to see a transition of video behind that paywall, but it’s going to be a gradual thing over the next few months.’

“Describing the FT’s approach to video, Pinches said there is a question of how to add value to analysis and thought-led pieces through visual imagery. Figures from the title’s iPhone app which have suggested people spend an average of 14 minutes using the application, are a positive sign for long-form multimedia content, including video, he added.”

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