Chronicle Herald to charge online readers

Halifax's Chronicle Herald is going to start charging online readers.

Ian Thompson, the paper's associate publisher, announced the change in a column Saturday. Thompson didn't specify when the paywall would be put in place or how much readers will be charged.

The Herald is following a growing number of newspapers that have started charging for online material.

Thompsonwrote they're making the change to "ensure the Chronicle Herald thrives in a difficult newspaper environment."

In October, the president of the Herald said they were considering the paywall. Mark Lever said they were watching the Globe and Mail closely as it made the transition.

Four months ago, the Herald cut its Sunday edition, switching to a weekend paper instead.

Thompson said subscribers to the hard copy of the paper will be able to read the online version for free.