This could be a turning point for media: not all content should be free—especially in the age of AI overload.<p>The “free + ads” model no longer holds—ad revenue is shrinking, platforms are disengaging, and AI is devouring open content for training. Free is starting to mean low-quality, not accessible.<p>Paywalls aren’t perfect, but they may be the last line of defense for value, integrity, and sustainability in journalism.<p>Key questions we should ask:
How can we build pay models that don’t shut out readers?
What kinds of content can outlast or outmatch AI?
Is there a middle ground between open and locked?<p>Free access should remain a goal—but not at the cost of quality or creators. Otherwise, we’re left digging through noise for the truth.