USA Today to introduce digital edition, for a fee

NEW YORK (AP) — The new publisher of USA Today plans to introduce an electronic replica of the printed newspaper and charge readers for it.

The new version will be sent by e-mail to readers beginning Aug. 3 and cost slightly less than printed editions of USA Today, which is the nation’s largest newspaper by circulation.

David Hunke, named publisher in April, told reporters today that the newspaper will be looking for more ways to charge for content as the media industry grapples with steep advertising declines.

He said he does not envision charging for access to the newspaper’s main Web site. But he said mobile applications, like those offered on Apple Inc.’s iPhone, may be a venue where readers will be willing to pay.