UK publisher, The Independent ahs announced that it will launch a paywall for non-UK visitors to its website.

A report by The Guardian, has said that The Independentis also planning to launch a paid iPad application as well as cut more than 70,000 free newspaper circulations. The new plans are part of the effort by the company to re- position itself as a premium multimedia company.

The new pay-wall will allow readers in the US and Canadian to access 20 free news articles every month. The company will offer unlimited access to its site for a monthly fee to readers outside the UK.

About 40-50 percent of visitors to the Independent's website are from outside the UK and many of the users fro outside the UK accessed more than 20 articles per month. The Independent is now aiming to increase revenues by converting these viewers into paying customers.

Andy Mullins, managing director of Independent Print said, "2012 will be about prioritisation and focus. It will be about reallocating and targeting our scarce resources behind the brands and products that matter most. The Independent brand will be key to securing and building our future."