Founded by former Twitter engineers, the start-up aims to support publishers by attracting traffic through its innovative user experiences. A startup called Particle, founded by former Twitter engineers, is aiming to transform the media industry’s relationship with artificial intelligence (AI) with a host of new reading experiences for users. The AI-driven newsreader platform has already secured $4.4 million in seed funding from Kindred Ventures, Adverb Ventures and angel investors. The startup was conceived by Sara Beykpour, previously a Senior Director of Product Management at Twitter, alongside co-founder Marcel Molina, a former senior engineer at Twitter and Tesla. Particle’s mission is…

The Murdoch-owned behemoth reports Q1 declines in ad revenues but growth from data licensing and subscription models. News Corp has been strategically pivoting away from its dependence on digital advertising, which CEO Robert Thomson described as “volatile”, amid continuing reductions in ad revenue. This transition was detailed during the company’s Q1 2025 earnings call, which highlighted a significant shift in business strategy towards data licensing and subscription models, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence (AI). For the quarter reported, the Dow Jones division, which encompasses major titles such as The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s, documented a $6 million…

If the US authorities move to break up the search giant, it could lead to a transformative shift for digital publishers, enhancing competition and transparency in advertising and challenging existing market dynamics. The potential dismantling of Google, a decision currently under contemplation by US federal courts, could signal a transformative era for digital publishers and the advertising ecosystem at large. The central focus of the legal scrutiny is Google’s perceived monopolistic grip on search technology and its vast influence over digital advertising. Google’s substantial slice of the digital advertising pie has historically tethered countless digital publishers to its platforms for…

The dynamic CEO has been reshaping Hearst UK, focusing on direct consumer relationships and innovative approaches to the magazine space. Katie Vanneck-Smith, a seasoned leader in the media industry, has been spearheading a strategic transformation at Hearst UK since her arrival in December 2022. Having transitioned from her role as co-founder and publisher at Tortoise Media, Vanneck-Smith took up the challenge at the glossy magazine publisher, which boasts well-known titles such as Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Women’s Health, and Country Living. At Hearst UK’s London headquarters, located just off Leicester Square, Vanneck-Smith has implemented a comprehensive overhaul to adapt the…

The CEO of the Los Angeles Tribune prepares to unveil The Great Media Reset, a book proposing a shift in journalism towards positivity and community empowerment. Moe Rock, the CEO of the Los Angeles Tribune and a prominent figure in the media industry, wants to disrupt traditional journalism practices with an approach that blends positivity, integrity and inclusivity. In his upcoming book, The Great Media Reset, scheduled for release in the upcoming months, Rock proposes a transformative strategy for journalism. He advocates for media outlets to transcend conflict-centric narratives and instead focus on empowering audiences with constructive, solution-based reporting. The…

The Toronto Sun leads the way in exploring a subscription-based approach, focusing on exclusive content and reader engagement amid the shift towards digital news consumption. Toronto: Citywide Newspaper Subscription Model Under Review A recent focus in Toronto is centred around the evolving dynamics of newspaper subscription services, as the digital landscape continues to shift the way readers consume news. The Toronto Sun, a notable publication in the city, has been at the forefront of this discussion, emphasising the value of subscription-based access to its content. The Toronto Sun is highlighting its subscription option, which provides readers with unlimited access to…

The Jersey Journal and The Star-Ledger announce plans to stop their print editions, highlighting a significant shift within the media landscape as they transition to digital formats. In a move emblematic of the shifting media landscape, two of New Jersey’s most prominent newspapers, the Jersey Journal and The Star-Ledger, have announced plans to cease their physical print operations. This decision reflects a broader trend within the newspaper industry as it adapts to the increasing dominance of digital media. The Jersey Journal, a longstanding publication with deep roots in New Jersey’s journalistic history, is scheduled to print its last edition on…

Azu Ishiekwene’s latest book provides aspiring and established writers with essential guidance on navigating media writing and transforming their craft into a source of income. Azu Ishiekwene Discusses Media Writing and Monetisation in New Book In an evolving landscape of media and technology, Azu Ishiekwene’s latest book, Writing for Media and Monetising It, provides a comprehensive guide for both aspiring and established writers looking to thrive in this dynamic field. Released recently, the book delves into the intricacies of media writing, while also exploring how writers can transform their craft into a viable source of income. Structure and Guidance The…

A recent report by the British Council highlights how a new generation of readers and writers is revolutionising the African book publishing landscape through technology and innovative self-publishing methods. African Book Publishing: Navigating a Period of Transformation The landscape of African book publishing is experiencing a significant transformation, according to a recent report by the British Council. Historically reliant on multinational publishing houses and donor funding, the African publishing industry is now witnessing a shift driven by a new generation of readers and writers who are altering traditional paradigms through technology, social media, and innovative self-publishing techniques. The report, titled…

Le Figaro’s management and unions have negotiated a deal that ensures journalists receive 25% of revenues from neighbouring rights, heralding a significant step for fair compensation. Le Figaro Reaches Agreement on Journalist Compensation from Neighboring Rights The management of Le Figaro, alongside prominent unions CFDT, CGC, and CGT, has successfully negotiated an agreement ensuring journalists receive 25% of the neighbouring rights revenue received by the publication. This agreement pertains to the use of Le Figaro’s content by tech giants Meta and Google. The announcement was made on Thursday, October 31. The notion of neighbouring rights was extended to digital platforms…