MediaWeek reports with certainty that “The Economist is to charge for news content across its website”, while the company tells us: “It’s something that we are considering but nothing has been decided yet.”

If anyone can charge, Economist.com can charge. Amid an oversupply of information, the magazine is carving out a place for itself as a home for considered analysis and opinion. July-to-December mag sales rose 6.8 percent to 1.39 million copies and operating profits were 26 percent up to £56 million on 17 percent better revenue of £313 million.

Online, Economist.com increased its advertising revenue by 29 percent year-on-year, while page views increased 53 percent.

One could argue Economist.com’s model right now is the opposite of what it should be - the new material from the £4 printed mag goes free, while the old stuff is charged for. A current web-and-print subscription costs $126.99 a year, while online only comes at $89.99.