Times Group launches ET Prime, a members-only business news website

The Times Group launched a subscription based news website, ET Prime, which is a “members-only business storytelling platform” and promises to bring fast, reliable, insight-rich analysis in times when the readers are flooded with ‘breaking news’. “From finance to climate change and from economic policy to health care, ET Prime will bring you long-reads that unravel the hidden trends, people, and things shaping our world,” reads the websites description.

ET Prime currently has 22 members in its editorial and will be headed by Shishir Prasad, Editor and Tanmoy Goswami, Associate Editor. However, the website also adds that it is looking for more people to join the team.

The news website is being perceived by industry experts as a direct competition to The Ken, a new, digital, subscription-driven publication launched in October 3, 2016 and headquartered out of Bangalore.

The Ken, currently publishes “one original, analytical and well-narrated story from India every weekday for its subscribers. From technology, startups, business, science & healthcare,” its website reads.

As compared to ET Prime’s subscription, which is priced at Rs 2499 for a year and Rs 799 for 3 months and a 15 day free trial; The Ken’s annual subscription costs Rs 2750 and Rs 1,500 quarterly.

Also, ET Prime, interestingly allows most online payment options except PayTM who’s founder and CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, is also an investor in The Ken.

Other than providing access after subscribing to ET Prime, the website also offers “Great conversations among an elite community of opinion leaders” and “exclusive access to members-only events.”