Buffett: Newspapers need to charge online

OMAHA, Neb. - Warren Buffett says newspapers need to stop giving away their product for free online, but they will have a decent future if they continue delivering information that can't be found elsewhere.

Buffett talked about the news business on CNBC Monday because his Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) owns two newspapers and has a sizeable investment in the Washington Post Co.

In letter, Buffett hints at successor, shares wisdom

Buffett says newspapers face challenges because of competition from Internet news sources and the rising cost of newsprint. He says newspapers need to make sure they remain the primary source of information about subjects readers are interested in.

He was being interviewed in front of the Omaha World-Herald's printing presses. Buffett's Berkshire bought the World-Herald late last year.