USA TODAY plans a digital edition of the newspaper

NEW YORK -- The new publisher of USA TODAY plans to introduce an electronic replica of the printed newspaper and charge readers who want to subscribe to it.

The new version will be sent by e-mail to subscribers beginning Aug. 3 and cost slightly less than printed editions of USA TODAY, which is the nation's largest newspaper by circulation.

David Hunke, named publisher in April, told reporters at a press breakfast Wednesday that USA TODAY will be looking for more ways to charge for content as the media industry grapples with steep advertising declines.

He said he does not envision charging for access to the newspaper's main website, USATODAY.com. But he said mobile applications, like those offered on Apple's iPhone, may be a venue where readers will be willing to pay.

USA TODAY and USATODAY.com are owned by Gannett Co. gci, the nation's largest newspaper company.