The Daily Sentinel of Grand Junction, the largest daily newspaper on the Western Slope, has begun charging nonsubscribers for access to its online version as it tries to stop paid subscribers from migrating to the Internet to get it for free, the Associated Press reports.

The newspaper Monday became the first major daily in Colorado to begin charging for its online content as it and the industry struggle with a decline in paid circulation and a drop in advertising revenue.

In an article last week advising readers of the change, Publisher Jay Seaton said the newspaper industry erred by offering its content for free as the Internet took off in the 1990s.