The issue of charging for online news content and digital subscriptions is currently an important topic, as it represents one of the sources of financial income of media outlets. Despite the fact that web news represents an important information source, which was also confirmed during the pandemic, not all recipients are willing to pay for the content. The study deals with the issue of charging for news content on the Internet. It presents the initial results of the quantitative research of the recipients, their preferences, payment options and also it explains the reasons for which readers are willing to purchase a subscription. The aim of the research is to refer to the issue of paywalls from the audience's perspective, and also to define the basic traits that unite readers, who are willing to pay for online news content. The questions in the questionnaire focused on the level of willingness to pay for online news, the motivation to pay, but also the reasons for refusing a subscription.