Ending months of rumors, leaks and anticipation, News Corp. and Apple finally launched The Daily today, unveiling what’s likely to be a gamechanger for iPad apps and online news sources alike. The 100-page magazine will be published every morning, with the possibility for updates throughout the day should there be breaking stories, and will feature high-resolution photography (including 360 degree images), HD video and customizable content – Sports coverage can be customized based on your favorite teams, for example – all for the surprisingly reasonable price of 14 cents an issue. Subscriptions will be available weekly, at 99 cents, or annually, at $39.99 (The first two weeks will be free, thanks to sponsorship from Verizon). Apple’s VP of Internet Services, Eddy Cue, told reporters that the same subscription model would be extended to other publishers soon.
News Corp. head Rupert Murdoch, speaking at the launch event, called the Daily a symbol of a new journalism that offers a “fresh and robust voice” to a generation that expects “content tailored to their specific interests to be available anytime, anywhere.” Also, a generation that’s used to social media; stories from the Daily will be available to share via Twitter, Facebook and email, and there’ll also be options to save stories for later reading. Some stories from the magazine will also be made available for free on TheDaily.com, but don’t expect to be able to see everything; editor Jesse Angelo confirmed that the pay model will be protected in the choice of free material.
It’s a gamble for News Corp., with Murdoch confirming the $30 million startup cost and weekly running cost of somewhere in the region of half a million dollars. According to News Corp.’s chief digital officer, John Miller, the publisher expects revenue to be split 50-50 between subscription circulation and advertising.
The Daily is available now.
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