The Guardian
trending topics
Close Box

Our news

Yes, it’s true: We are joining GigaOM...


Newspapers Face ‘Impossible’ Crossroads In ‘09; Should Consider Online-Only, Report Says

  • Comments Comments (View)
  • Text Size: A A

The sky really is falling. The market has become “impossible” for newspapers and magazines, and one in 10 will either shut, move online only or cut publication frequency by more than half, says a new Deloitte report.

SEE ALSO: JP Morgan Calls For M&A Rule Change To Save Local Press; Forecasts Ad Revenue Drop

Co-author Howard Davies (via FT.com): “This is a downward spiral. It has already become quite difficult for print publishers, but it is going to get much worse as the advertising market deteriorates.” Deloitte expects backs up GroupM’s expectation of a further 20 percent collapse in classifieds income next year, which has already slid precipitously this year and last,

The axe being wielded by so many publishers in the last three weeks won’t be a solution alone - instead, publishers should reduce print frequency, the report says (anyone taking bets on which will be the first national Sunday title to shut in ‘09?).

Even those considering that online-only might be a good idea (we’re looking at you, Independent.co.uk) will hardly find internet riches - not even the most successful of online print counterparts is making enough money to offset those quickening dead-tree losses, and how will a website survive without the prestige of the page-turner. But the flip-side is perilous, too - FT.com: “If ‘online-only’ cannot be made to work financially, a newspaper’s online presence may need to be reduced significantly to encourage people back to the physical product”.

Listen to BBC Radio 4’s PM item on this topic from yesterday, interviewing me and other industry figures…

Dec 10, 2008 4:49 AM ET

Posted In: Media & Publishing, Newspapers

(Page 1 of 1)


The Bestsellers

From iTunes and YouTube to Facebook and Kindle, the most popular content on the web, free and paid.

iTunes Songs iTunes Songs
1. Somebody That I Used to Know (feat.…
2. Titanium (feat. Sia)
3. Domino
4. Wild Ones (feat. Sia)
5. Hot Right Now (Radio Edit)
See The Other Bestsellers »

Jobs RSS Job Listings

Social Standing

Which media brands are getting a lift from Tweeters and bloggers right now -- and which are getting panned?

"Sentiment" Scores for All the Companies »

Sponsors

Staff