We asked our readers to buy, not donate. Here’s what it taught us about the new math of news.

Short summary

Nieman Lab examines how news organizations are shifting from donation-based models to asking readers to buy, as AI and search changes reshape audience discovery. Cites Pew Research data showing stark declines in incidental traffic. Argues the future requires building direct reader relationships and rethinking the economics of news.

• •News outlets shifting from donations to purchase-based reader relationships
• •AI and search changes are killing incidental audience discovery
• •Pew Research data underscores urgency of direct reader revenue models

Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.