Newspapers began dying when they gave away their content for free online, but that’s changing. In 2011, the New York Times will begin charging its Internet readers for the content on its Web site, or at least some of it.

The Times reported last week that it would soon require frequent Web visitors to subscribe for a fee after they view a certain number of articles. Many believe the paper announced the move so early in hopes other leaders in the industry would implement a similar plan.

Considering the lack of alternatives the newspaper industry has, this is a likely possibility.

There is a lot of speculation as to whether or not the Times will lose readers with this new fiscal model. But honestly, what other choice does it have? Free content all but killed the newspaper industry and will continue to do so until there is no news being reported at all.

Over the past twenty years, there has been a steady decline in the amount the public is generally willing to pay for news. A Harris poll conducted earlier in January found that 77 percent of adults surveyed weren’t willing to pay anything to read a newspaper online. The same poll found that 72 percent of those surveyed read a newspaper weekly.

What do these numbers tell us? Most people who regularly read the news are unwilling to pay for the content they receive. Regardless of their reasons, this is a problem.

The Internet has spawned a new and exciting age for technology, but it has also given way to a scary era for media. The journalists who still have a salary are seeing it decrease over time. Most people do not see the service reporters provide as one they are willing to pay for.

Part of this mindset may be due to distrust in what the media says. A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2009 found that only about 29 percent of Americans trusted mainstream media. Even so, if it’s free, most Americans will consume it. And until now, when they are forced with no other choice, newspapers have accommodated this free-rider mindset to keep their readership high.

While honest journalism is something to believe in and continue to practice, the goods that it produces are not something that can be handed away in our society. Though many believe that a complimentary press is necessary, the way our economy is structured does not allow for it to exist that way.

Though citizen journalists and bloggers would likely continue to report some news if the New York Times and other major companies fell, they would be ill-equipped to handle all of the breaking news or injustices important to report in a democratic society. It takes decades to build up a rapport of credibility.

Less people may read online papers if they had to pay for them, but people need to understand why supporting traditional media is key. Journalism is a necessary public service, one that informs, educates and exposes. But after all, most trained journalists will not work for free.

Nicole is pocketing change to pay for a NY Times subscription. Donations accepted at ndgilber@asu.edu.