The future of newspapers - Worldwide market trends

Newspapers are realising that the most important part of the word is “news” and not “paper”. Readers expects news to be accessible everywhere and use the Internet as a main information source; therefore, publishers target new technologies like the Internet or mobile phones to make newspapers more interactive. Most newspapers in the world face declining circulation especially in saturated markets due to the remarkable competition from the Internet. So, increasingly, first e-papers started to appear. But despite almost all newspapers register a growing number of readers for their

e-papers, the number of users is still relatively small, representing only about 1-2% of all newspaper readers.

Publishers do not see much potential for e-paper as it is now. They offer e-paper services because running costs are relatively low and can derive profit from additional revenue streams and offering an archive service, mostly not free of charge. e-paper subscribers mainly appreciate the possibility to read the newspaper everywhere in the world. In addition, unlike with printed paper subscriptions, readers can enjoy local newspaper releases, usually available free of charge. Readers seem to use prevalently the search and archive functions whereas other features, such as bookmarks, are rarely used.

As of epaper reading devices, some have been also commercialised, such as the Amazon Kindle, but still need some perfecting. Polymer is currently the only manufacturer that has announced a mobile phone with integrated “rollable” display that will be launched in mid-2008. On the whole, the breakthrough for such solutions can be expected for 2009-2011. Currently, newspaper publishers focus on a “mobile” newspaper version, i.e. a pared-down versions of their newspaper adjusted to mobile phone screens, for example via services like AvantGo. Though, as the current trend for e- or mobile-papers stagnates, publishing companies as well as other players (telecom operators, ISPs, e-commerce companies for instance) are thinking about the future of the printed media in general

InfoCom’s research revealed several advantages and disadvantages of the current static (i.e. PDF or html version) e-papers, with details regarding functions and applications for e-papers. This research deals also with new digital strategies and new media formats, trends in the advertising revenues and spending, supported by examples from different countries, with figures and data.

About InfoCom. InfoCom is a market research and consultancy company with more than 20 years experience providing strategic analyses and planning assistance to stakeholders in the telecommunications, IT and multimedia industries. InfoCom’s independent and fact-based analyses highlight trends and opportunities, supporting decision makers to understand market dynamics in order to improve their competitive advantage.