MediaNews papers will soon begin charging readers to view at least some online content, according to CEO Dean Singleton.

In an extensive interview with a Salt Lake City television station, Singleton outlines the philosophy behind the shift.

“We can’t continue to give everything away for free,” he told KSL-TV. “When you give it away for free, it has no value. When you begin charging for it, it has some value.”

Click here to view the report — and for a longer explanation, toggle to “Full Interview with Dean Singleton.”

The San Diego Union Tribune today confirmed rumors that yes, MediaNews is showing interest in purchasing the newspaper.

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