Direct payment is not the only way to let customers pay for apps.

I pay for Google search with my permission to show me advertising. That is also payment, just a different kind.

I do not pay money for my desktop or my mobile operating system. Those are apps too, and the companies that invest in these systems do so mostly for commercial reasons. Great apps, but no direct payment.

"How much would you pay for a great news app?"

Depends on demand and supply.