What more is there for daily newspapers to do? Even publications as large as the New York Times report less than satisfactory revenue streams.
" Total revenues decreased 4.9 percent to $747.9 million from $786.0
million. Advertising revenues decreased 9.2 percent. Circulation
revenues increased 1.9 percent and other revenues rose 7.2 percent." New York Times First Quarter Report 2008.
Ad revenue is a major part of a newspaper’s revenue stream because the only other facets of revenue come from circulation and subscription. It is becoming more and more acceptable to retrieve information from free, credible sources online versus a weekly newspaper subscription or daily circulation sales. Unfortunately print news is heading down a rocky road. Boulders are coming up in the distance. Loyal readership is still a factor in paper survival, however the problem now becomes attracting new readers. Let’s make it happen the old fashioned way! Quality writing brings visitors to papers and it brings readers to the digital news portals.
Another entry inspired by Jay Mundy on constant watch for papers in peril.
[I have more to say, but class is starting soon. Back in flash!]