The Guardian flourishes without a paywall (nymag.com)

Article summary

The Guardian US is flourishing without a paywall, relying on reader donations, which are expected to reach $44 million this year. The publication's ownership model, which is free from billionaire or corporate influence, is seen as a key factor in its success. The Guardian's editor and managing director attribute the success to its global perspective and the public's desire for reliable information. The publication's reader revenue model has allowed it to expand its staff and coverage.

Main themes

• Media ownership models
• Paywall-free journalism
• Reader revenue
• Press freedom
• Tax avoidance and inheritance

What commenters say

• The Guardian's success is due to its unique ownership model, which allows it to maintain its independence and focus on quality journalism.
• The use of trusts and tax avoidance strategies can be seen as hypocritical, given the Guardian's left-leaning stance and criticism of wealth inequality.
• Inheritance taxes and wealth taxes can have unintended consequences, such as forcing the sale of assets or encouraging nepotism.
• The concept of a 'death tax' is a pejorative term used to sway public opinion, and a more nuanced discussion of inheritance tax is needed.
• The Guardian's model may not be scalable or replicable for other publications, and its success may be due to its specific circumstances and audience.
• The idea of a trust or foundation dedicated to supporting open-source software development or other public goods is an interesting alternative to traditional charitable models.
• Taxing unrealized gains can lead to unfair outcomes, such as forcing individuals to sell assets to pay taxes, and a more thoughtful approach to taxation is needed.
• The Guardian's independence is a valuable asset, and its ability to maintain its editorial freedom is a key factor in its success and appeal to readers.