The Toronto Sun published a new editorial cartoon by Tim Dolighan on Monday, December 22, 2025. The artwork, typical of Dolighan's pointed and satirical style, was featured prominently on the newspaper's website.
A Glimpse Behind the Paywall
Access to the full cartoon and accompanying article, however, was restricted behind the publication's subscriber paywall. The Toronto Sun employs a digital subscription model that requires readers to either register for a free account or subscribe to unlock most of its online content. This strategy is clearly outlined on the article page, which states the content is "reserved for subscribers only."
The publication promotes its subscription service by highlighting several key benefits for paying members. These include unlimited online access to articles from across Canada, exclusive entry to the Toronto Sun ePaper, and insights from its award-winning journalists. The model is presented not just as a revenue stream but as a direct means to support local journalists and the next generation of reporters.
The Business of News in the Digital Age
The article page for Dolighan's cartoon serves as a clear example of the modern media landscape's shift towards subscriber-supported journalism. Readers encountering the piece are met with multiple prompts to subscribe or sign in, emphasizing the financial challenges facing traditional news outlets.
Additional perks for subscribers, as listed, extend beyond news to include daily puzzles like the New York Times Crossword. This indicates a strategy aimed at providing broad value to retain subscribers in a competitive digital environment. The page was last updated just minutes after its initial posting on December 22, showing active editorial management.
While the specific subject of Tim Dolighan's December 22 cartoon remains known only to subscribers, its publication follows the artist's long-established tradition of commenting on current events through his art. The Toronto Sun's framework for delivering this content underscores the ongoing evolution of how Canadians access and pay for news and commentary.
