But I don't see how charging those who want premium access = getting news directly from the club.
That's just not an accurate assessment of what is happening. If anything it's the opposite. Because it works both ways. Those that pay will feel entitled to ask whatever they want, and Rangers will feel more obliged to accomodate them.
Those not paying, can still get entry to Ibrox to see the games. They aren't shut out. They can still write whatever articles they want. They can still quote interviews etc from other outlets, although now that some have paid for it, they might clamp down on the BBC and others 'stealing' their content. But other than that, nothing has really changed in that respect.
I really think folk are creating issues around this that really don't exist.
Btw, just watched Stewart Robertsons interview, and he says it's purely a commercial decision to charge. Among other reasons, due to the newspapers cutting costs and no longer buying hospitality and advertising like they used to. So it's a quid pro quo scenario really. Even if this is the case, and not just a PR smudge or half truth, then I still have no issue with it at all.
The media in this country have been given access to a modern footballing A-list superstar for years now for free. And what have they done with it? I stopped watching the press conference's for most games because they were so boring and tedious. I mean it takes a special type of yahoo to achieve that with Stevie G in the room. So they really don't deserve to be there. Let's hope we see a marked improvement on them this year for EVERYONE's sake. Rangers, fans, sponsors, SPFL and those that paid for access getting more watchable, sellable & exclusive content instead of the absolute dross we've been served up for so long.
Everyone involved really should now be trying to up their game. I see that as only a win win.