Pittsburgh Post-Gazette unveils exclusive, paid content site

Posted by Simon Day on September 1, 2009 at 2:30 PM

On Tuesday the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette launched its new members only, paid content website, PG+. The new Website will offer subscribers unique access to exclusive content as well as interactive participation unavailable on the standard online version of the Post-Gazette.

PG+ will allow subscribers access to constantly updated blog, video, chat and behind the scenes content from a team of staff featuring some of the newspaper's most popular members including Ed Bouchette, Mackenzie Carpenter, Doug Oster, Reg Henry, Jack Kelly and Gene Collier.

"PG+ is a natural extension of our news, entertainment and information resources that the region has come to depend on," said Post-Gazette President Christopher H. Chamberlain.

The site focuses on user interaction and debate through a subscriber profile that will encourage ongoing discussion.

Longtime Post-Gazette editor/producer Katy Buchanan is the site's editorial coordinator.

Subscription to the site begins at $3.99 a month, with an annual fee of $36.

PG+ will not see existing content put behind a paid wall, instead the Website will hope to attract subscribers through the generation of completely new content, exclusive to the site.

"This is an exciting moment -- a signature moment -- not only for journalism in Pittsburgh but also for journalism itself," said Post-Gazette executive editor David Shribman. "Plus, it's a really terrific Web site and -- I hope I'm allowed to say this -- a damn good deal."

"It will add a richer dimension to the existing offerings under the Post-Gazette umbrella without reducing our current mix of print and online products," Chamberlain said. "It's a Web site for people who want a deeper connection to the Pittsburgh community and the best the PG has to offer."