Paywall in digital journalism

perceptions and strategies of young Brazilians to “bypass the wall”

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18568/cmc.2026.e3252

Keywords:

focus group, paywall, digital journalism, bussiness model

Abstract

In this article, which results from broader research, we analyze the perceptions of young Brazilians regarding the use of paywalls in digital journalism. The transformation of the journalism industry, driven by the shift from analog to digital, has redefined strategies for the production, distribution, and monetization of information. In this context, the paywall has established itself as an alternative for the financial sustainability of media outlets, but its sociocultural impact and acceptance remain underexplored, especially in Brazil. Based on a qualitative, exploratory approach using a focus group, we sought to understand how young audiences, who are used to consuming online content for free, respond to the access barriers imposed by paid subscriptions. By observing the strategies adopted by the young participants (n = 8) to circumvent the paywall, such as using alternative platforms or abandoning the content, we verified tensions between the right to access information and the need for economic viability of news organizations. As per the results, cost is a significant barrier to subscription. For the participants, exclusive, investigative, specialized, or local and community-focused content increases the stated willingness to pay for news.

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Author Biographies

Andrezza Pessoa Carvalho de Souza, Universidade Federal da Bahia

Journalist with a master’s degree in Communication and Contemporary Culture from Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). Email: andrezzapessoacarvalho@gmail.com

Lívia de Souza Vieira, Universidade Federal da Bahia

Professor at the School of Communication and the Graduate Program in Communication and Contemporary Culture at Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). She holds a PhD and a master’s degree in Journalism from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), with a doctoral research stay at Birmingham City University (England). Email: liviasvieira@gmail.com

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Published

2026-10-28

How to Cite

Pessoa Carvalho de Souza, A., & de Souza Vieira, L. (2026). Paywall in digital journalism: perceptions and strategies of young Brazilians to “bypass the wall”. Comunicação Mídia E Consumo, 23, e3252. https://doi.org/10.18568/cmc.2026.e3252

Issue

Vol. 23 (2026): Continuous Publication - Jan./Dec.

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Andrezza Pessoa Carvalho de Souza, Lívia de Souza Vieira

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