Publish less, but publish better: pivoting to paid in local news

Report

This report examines how local and regional newspapers around Europe have adapted their editorial and business strategies to remain sustainable in the digital media environment. Based on 20 interviews with managers and editors at eight local and regional newspapers in four countries (Finland, France, Germany, and the UK), this research finds that although their newspapers continue to derive the majority of their revenues from their print products, they recognise the need to invest in high-quality, distinctive digital content that serves existing readers while attracting new audiences. The news organisations have embraced paid content models that emphasize building lasting relationships with readers who will pay for online content. They have also scaled back their reliance on the platforms, such as Facebook, for achieving algorithmic reach and instead use them strategically to promote subscriptions, connect with targeted groups, and reach new audiences.

Authors: Jenkins, J

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Reviewed (other)
• Publisher: Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
• Place of publication: Oxford
• Publication date: 2020-09-24
• DOI: 10.60625/risj-n0wa-4a90
• ISBN: 978-1-907384-79-0
• Language: English
• Keywords: Europe; social media; newspapers; FFR; platforms; local news; interviews