Recurly’s latest State of Subscriptions report highlights a significant decrease in subscriber acquisition rates Recurly’s ninth annual State of Subscriptions report highlights a notable decline in subscriber acquisition rates, emphasising the importance of retention strategies in the subscription-based content market. The subscription management firm’s report draws from an extensive analysis of data derived from millions of consumers, providing valuable insights into the transformation of the subscription economy. According to the report’s authors, it aims to furnish merchants with “strategies and one-of-a-kind solutions for overcoming the industry’s ever-evolving challenges to drive growth.” Research findings reveal that subscriber acquisition rates have decreased…

Anna Bateson, CEO of Guardian Media Group, outlined a positive future for the paper as it navigates choppy waters. The Guardian’s digital reader revenue will exceed £100m this year, having grown from around £4m a decade ago, according to the UK title’s chief executive Anna Bateson. Overall more than 60% of the company’s revenue now comes from readers, whether from print sales, subscriptions or contributions. Speaking to The Drum, as part of their excellent News Horizons series with Mark Challinor, Bateson emphasised the paper’s commitment to enhancing the global reach and digital presence of The Guardian. It now has a…

Rubin is leaving the newspaper to found a new publication focused on pro-democracy journalism. The cohort of American columnists setting up their own digital publications has a new member. Jennifer Rubin, a seasoned opinion columnist formerly of The Washington Post, has announced her departure from the newspaper to launch a new publication called The Contrarian. The Contrarian says it aims to present a pro-democracy stance rather than an anti-Trump narrative, though its standpoint is abundantly clear. In an interview with CNN, Rubin expressed a strong commitment to combating what she perceives as threats to democracy. “Our goal is to…

The Swedish newspaper has successfully transformed its revenue model from advertising to a subscription-based approach Dagens Nyheter has successfully transformed its revenue model over the past decade, shifting from a heavy reliance on advertising to a robust subscription-based approach. Peter Wolodarski, the publication’s editor-in-chief, noted that about ten years ago, 80 percent of the revenue was derived from advertising, while today that figure has flipped, with about 80 percent coming from subscriptions. Wolodarski recounted the early mindset regarding online journalism, where free access to content was the prevailing norm. At that time, many competitors opted to forgo charging for content,…

Vox Media’s tech news site, The Verge, is launching a subscription service marking their third investment in subscription models. Vox Media’s tech news website, The Verge, is set to introduce a paywall, marking a significant shift in its access model, as reported by Max Tani of Semafor. The new subscription service, which will go live imminently, will charge users $7 per month or $50 annually, granting comprehensive access to the vast array of content on The Verge, including its previously paywalled newsletters, Command Line and Notepad. The introduction of this paywall represents Vox Media’s third major foray into subscription services,…

The pro-independence Scottish publication marks its tenth anniversary with £10 annual offer to attract new readers amid subscription fatigue. The National, a Scottish news publication, is marking its tenth anniversary by offering a significant reduction in subscription prices, aiming to attract new readers and bolster its subscriber base. This limited-time offer, available until December 3, allows new subscribers to gain access to the digital edition for just £10 for a full year, after which annual renewal will revert to the standard price of £62.99. Since its inception, The National has carved out a space within Scotland’s media landscape by positioning…

Michael Miller, executive chairman of News Corp Australia, has been named the leading figure in Mediaweek 100 for 2024, credited with steering the company through economic challenges and digital transformation. Michael Miller, executive chairman of News Corp Australia, has recently been acknowledged as the top figure in the Mediaweek 100 for 2024, reflecting his adept navigation of a challenging media landscape. This recognition comes after Miller has spent nearly a decade leading the organisation, during which he has maintained a focus on evolving the company’s offerings amidst a cyclical downturn in the economy. Since 2021, News Corp Australia has experienced…

New digital publication aims to counter news fatigue and misinformation by emulating Denmark’s successful Zetland. The Austrian media entrepreneur Florian Novak has unveiled plans for Jetzt, set to launch in 2025, which will feature two in-depth articles each day available in both written and audio formats, accompanied by discussions. This initiative is intended to serve as a sanctuary for readers navigating the tumult of modern news, not only challenging the issue of misinformation but also attempting to foster meaningful public discourse. Spearheading this project, Novak drew inspiration from Denmark’s successful Zetland. With innovative technology and a content delivery strategy focused…

The rise of subscription-based mobile applications presents both opportunities and challenges, prompting developers to adopt innovative strategies for user retention and growth. The digital landscape is witnessing a remarkable surge in the popularity of subscription-based mobile applications, and not just among news providers. As users increasingly gravitate towards digital services, the demand for apps offering premium and exclusive content is on the rise. This growth is not without its challenges. As users become more selective, the phenomenon of subscription fatigue is becoming more pronounced. It presents a unique challenge for app developers who must now strive to make their offerings…

As the media landscape evolves, publishers are shifting from traditional revenue models to innovative approaches, focusing on sustainable strategies and diversified income streams. Faced with an increasingly complex and competitive marketplace, publishers are having to hone their strategies in revenue diversification. No longer can you say that publishers are “ad-focused” or “subscriptions-based” – many are both. The clearer direction came into focus during discussions at the Digiday Publishing Summit held in Barcelona at the end of October. Hannah Buitekant, the Managing Director of Digital at Mail Metro Media, articulated a shift in strategy. “We don’t sell ad space any more; it’s…