Free Of Charge Or For A Fee

This dissertation first raises the issue about how "free" and "paywall" models were proposed in the digital era. Based on the concept of "free" and "paywall", it gives a brief review for the explanations of consumer surveys and experiments. By going through the latest movements in media industry, this dissertation focuses on the analysis of the hottest issues of pricing model which deserves attention including "paywall agency", "how to charge", "paywall through what channels". Then it cites different opinions which support or oppose "free"/"paywall" model from two opposite groups. After introducing two typical cases for "free" and "paywall" model, it gives author's opinions and summary. In the last, author chooses the New York Times Company as a detailed case and tries to give in-depth analysis of the company's financial data, business background and marketing strategies.