I like free stuff, too. I am unlikely to ever subscribe to a traditional newspaper or news site, and I used to be a journalist. But this is why I don't mind advertising. Content has value, there are costs - however minimal on the web - to serve that content. All else being equal, I will certainly be more loyal to sites that find the least obtrusive way to do so.
My local newspaper has an atrocious website with terrible load times, obtrusive ads and confusing navigation. But it is the only game in town.
My local newspaper has an atrocious website with terrible load times, obtrusive ads and confusing navigation. But it is the only game in town.