i guess it is the electronic age where you get anything for free ie freeware, youtube, donate if you like me, buy me a coffee, micro stock , etc. news media today is the same. i remember in 2007 asking the editor of a local newspaper which has been the main read since the 35mm era, if he takes local events editorial on specs.
his reply was, "lol, we really don't pay for anything these days!". and this is just some tabloid i approached in 2007.