It's been tried, a lot. What's perhaps curious is that some major media conglomerate hasn't pushed it -- a Hulu for journalism or something. There's enough consolidation in media that I find that somewhat surprising.

I'd be happier to pay for a bundle subscription than individual things. I subscribe to the Washington Post, and regularly donate to The Guardian, but for everywhere else, a full subscription just doesn't make sense for the 1-2 articles I may read a month.