You can always count on Harold Evans for a smart take on the current state of journalism and content.

Currently doing the rounds promoting his autobiography, the former London Times editor was cautiously optimistic about the future of journalism when speaking on the BBC yesterday: "Smaller newspaper circulations and a very vigorous web," was his assessment.

Also standing up for traditional journalism (if not newspapers) this weekend was Eric Schmidt. Speaking to Search Engine Land, the Google CEO said: "Well-funded, targeted, professionally managed, investigative journalism is a necessary precondition...to a functioning democracy."

And later: "Name a blogger who today has the kind of deep embedded reporting that a newspaper does."

Both Evans and Schmidt are speaking up at a time when more and more publications are getting onto the paid content bandwagon. As well as the WSJ, The Radio Times (UK TV listings), The Spectator (UK current affairs), and the Financial Times all offer subscription based mobile apps. The Guardian is lining up to do the same.

Meanwhile the London Times is offering something called Times+, a deal whereby readers can add on packages of print and online content to their existing subscription. It's all very reminiscent of banking, with content suppliers targeting a new class of high value customers. The New York Times is already on the way, with The Guardian (again) following behind.