BBC Launches First Overseas Paywall in US

The BBC has introduced a paid subscription model for its U.S. audience, marking the broadcaster's first instance of charging users outside the UK for unlimited access to news articles, feature stories, and a 24/7 BBC News channel livestream. Priced at $49.99 per year or $8.99 per month, the subscription will later expand to include ad-free documentaries, early release podcasts, and exclusive newsletters. While casual readers retain free access to select breaking news, radio livestreams, and some podcasts, frequent users are prompted to subscribe. The move is part of the BBC's broader strategy to offset declining UK license fee revenues and increase commercial income, particularly in the highly trusted U.S. market. The BBC stressed that UK users remain unaffected and there are no plans to extend the paywall elsewhere. This initiative also positions the BBC to compete directly with other major news organizations that have implemented paywalls, such as The New York Times and CNN.