Media in Slovenia charges single fee for online sites

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - The Associated Press

Slovenia is following Slovakia in a project for media to earn revenue by charging a single fee for access to their online sites. In May, all major Slovak newspapers and others went behind one common pay wall and offered unlimited access to areas considered exclusive in a project known as Piano, for a single fee of $3.71 a month.

The Slovak Piano Media company, which is in charge of the project says it has been a success. It is planning to expand to at least three other countries this year. The 2011 figures have not been made available. Piano Media said in a statement Monday a trial period in Slovenia will start Jan. 16, with the participation of eight major publishers, including the biggest daily paper, Delo. Users will be asked to pay $6.25 a month.