I don't believe you get anything for nothing. Our press in the UK is head and shoulders above other countries for quality and variety, from the FT through to the Sun (yes even the Sun for those who like that sort of paper) and if people are not prepared to pay for what they get, we could be reduced to no free press.
So many top writers and broadcasters cut their teeth on the best of the regional papers before heading for Fleet Street or the TV companies, what a great loss their erosion would be. I have a subscription which buys me a "paper" for a reduced price and 2 online editions so DH and I don't fight over who has which bit!