The Great Digital Debate: Free vs. Paid Content

Steve Brill and Vivian Schiller each stand on opposite sides of an issue that has been debated industry-wide since large numbers of consumers began moving online. The ‘free' model has not worked in many cases, most notably in the news sector, and this has forced companies to consider the subscription model once more. Should people pay for content on the Internet? And if they do, what model will save the industry from certain death?

The Paley Center Media Council and sponsor KPMG have partnered to encourage this important discussion as we consider the future of the news business.

About Steve Brill:
Steven Brill is a cofounder of Journalism Online, LLC. This new company will offer an innovative system for newspaper, magazine, and other online publishers to realize revenue from the digital distribution of the original journalism they produce. 

About Vivian Schiller:
A media executive and journalist with more than twenty years experience in the industry, Vivian Schiller joined NPR as president and CEO on January 5, 2009. She comes to NPR from The New York Times Company where she served as senior vice president and general manager of NYTimes.com.