Fact Check: "Over a million readers pay for Financial Times access."
What We Know
The Financial Times (FT) is a prominent British daily newspaper known for its focus on business and economic news. As of 2023, the FT reported having approximately 1.3 million subscribers, with about 1.2 million of those being digital subscriptions (Financial Times). This marks a significant increase from previous years, as the publication had reached the milestone of one million paying readers back in 2019 (Reuters).
The FT's growth in subscriptions reflects broader trends in digital media, where many traditional news outlets are transitioning to paywalled models to sustain revenue. In the latest rankings of paywalled publishers, the FT is noted for its substantial subscriber base, which has reportedly grown by 30% recently (Press Gazette).
Analysis
The claim that "over a million readers pay for Financial Times access" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The FT itself has confirmed that it has 1.3 million subscribers, which includes a significant majority of digital readers (Financial Times). This figure aligns with reports from reputable outlets like Reuters, which noted the FT's achievement of one million paying readers as early as 2019 (Reuters).
Furthermore, the Press Gazette's ranking of paywalled publishers corroborates the FT's current subscriber count, indicating a growth trend that positions the FT among the top digital news providers (Press Gazette).
The sources cited are reliable, with the FT being a well-established publication and Reuters being a respected international news agency. The Press Gazette also specializes in media industry analysis, adding to the credibility of the subscriber figures reported.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "over a million readers pay for Financial Times access" is true. The Financial Times has confirmed that it currently has approximately 1.3 million subscribers, with a significant portion being digital, thereby validating the assertion made in the claim.
