Cloudflare updates its open x402 payment-gated proxy template to support wider micropayment use The x402 protocol aims to facilitate programme‑not‑state payments for APIs and content The move aligns with broader initiatives to normalise on‑chain and tokenised payments on the web Cloudflare is expanding its push to make paid access to web content easier to implement, updating its open x402 payment-gated proxy template as part of a broader effort to normalise micropayments for publishers and developers. The update strengthens Cloudflare’s case that small, per-request payments can work at web scale as automated traffic grows and traditional advertising economics weaken. At the…

Beehiiv plans to double its advertising team by 2026 to boost revenue streams The move aims to expand monetisation options for creators on its platform Industry observers see it as a response to increasing advertiser demand and platform competition Beehiiv, the newsletter platform, is expanding its in-house advertising operation as it looks to scale a fast-growing revenue stream for both the company and creators on its platform. As growth in paid newsletters slows and competition intensifies, platforms like Beehiiv are under pressure to offer creators more robust monetisation options beyond subscriptions, pushing them closer to the ad-tech and media-services businesses…

Dow Jones hires M Scott Havens as chief growth officer to lead digital expansion Havens brings extensive experience from Bloomberg, The Atlantic and Time Inc. Move signals a push for increased digital and consumer revenue growth Dow Jones as hired M. Scott Havens as its chief growth officer, the company said. Havens is due to start in January. The appointment signals Dow Jones’ intent to accelerate growth across its digital and consumer businesses at a time when legacy publishers are under pressure to expand subscriptions and product-led revenue. Havens’ career has been built around scaling digital media operations and audience…

The former editor finalises a $30 million funding round to expand his YouTube channel The move signals increasing investor interest in creator-driven, partisan media platforms Critics raise concerns over media plurality and the influence of outside capital in UK journalism Piers Morgan is close to securing about $30 million in new funding in an attempt to turn his YouTube programme Piers Morgan Uncensored into a global media business. The move would value the operation at just under £100 million before new money and further cement the shift of high-profile commentators into venture-backed media companies. Sky News City editor Mark Kleinman…

Exor in exclusive talks to sell most of GEDI to Greece’s Antenna Group Italian journalists strike and protest over job security and editorial independence Government and unions scrutinise deal amid fears for media pluralism and democratic heritage Italy’s media sector has been jolted by confirmation that Exor, the Agnelli-Elkann family holding company, is in exclusive talks to sell most of the GEDI publishing group to Greece’s Antenna Group. The prospect of a sale has triggered strikes, newsroom protests and calls for government intervention over the future of La Repubblica and La Stampa. The ownership and independence of two of Italy’s…

James Lamont departs after 25 years at the FT to become CEO of Norway’s DN Media Group His extensive experience includes digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and international journalism Expected to bring strategic growth and digital expertise to the Norwegian media publisher James Lamont will leave the Financial Times at the end of the year to become chief executive of Norway’s DN Media Group, closing a 25-year chapter at the FT that spanned editorial leadership, strategic partnerships and digital development. Lamont’s FT career included eight years as Managing Editor, a period in which he helped guide the newsroom through a pivotal…

The Observer introduces paywall with subscription options to counter news fatigue New digital platform features curated content, puzzles, and audio journalism Move aims to rebuild trust and ensure independence through reader revenue The Observer has introduced its first digital subscription and paywall, paired with the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper’s move to daily publishing. The move – led by new owner Tortoise Media – marks a bet that readers will pay for focused, trustworthy coverage as news fatigue grows. It was accompanied by a redesigned website and a new smartphone app. Subscriptions cost £16 a month or £144 a year,…

MEN Premium launched with with exclusive content and enhanced digital features Subscription model aims to sustain high-quality local journalism amid financial pressures New offerings include ad-lite experience, daily digests, and interactive elements for readers The Manchester Evening News (MEN) has launched a digital subscription called MEN Premium, signalling a clear break from its owner Reach’s previous antipathy toward paid news. Editor-in-chief Sarah Lester said the paper’s role as a source of accurate, contextual reporting has become more important as platforms such as Google, Facebook and TikTok shape how people consume news. “The MEN remains a bastion for accurate, fact-checked and…

Bevan Shields resigns as editor of the Sydney Morning Herald citing health reasons Shields to return as a senior writer after nearly four years at the helm Chief reporter Jordan Baker to succeed him as editor in early 2026 Bevan Shields has resigned as editor of the Sydney Morning Herald after nearly four years, saying he needs to focus on his health and wellbeing. His exit ends a period of significant change at Nine’s flagship Sydney title and raises fresh questions about how the masthead navigates its next stage of digital transformation. In an email to staff, Shields called the…

Garry Moroney joins Irish Times Group as new CEO with strong tech background Appointment signals focus on digital innovation and strategic expansion Moroney’s experience aims to balance technology growth with quality journalism The Irish Times Group has appointed Garry Moroney, a tech entrepreneur with global experience, as its new chief executive. Moroney will succeed interim CEO Michael Sheehan on December 1. Sheehan will return to his role as Group CFO in January. Moroney brings long experience in building and scaling tech businesses. He founded two Irish software firms, Clavis Insight and Similarity Systems, guiding both from early-stage growth through to…