The Daily Beast reports double-digit subscriber growth and over 100,000 paying users in early 2026 The publisher now views subscriptions as the core revenue model, moving away from advertising dependency Diversified approach includes subscriptions via website, Substack, and YouTube, aiming for long-term stability The Daily Beast is recasting subscriptions as…
The Globe’s Power Play is a twice-weekly, subscriber-only newsletter focused on local business and political forces. It aims to deliver quick, analysis-driven updates on Massachusetts commerce and policy. The newsletter complements existing Globe coverage, with a focus on insider insights and industry trends. The Boston Globe is introducing a subscriber-only…
INMA’s new report reveals a three-pronged AI user journey approach for publishers Emphasis on structured content, audience loyalty, and first-party data in adapting to AI Industry urged to redesign journalism for fragmented, automated audience interactions The International News Media Association (INMA) has set out a framework for publishers trying to…
The Wall Street Journal uses TikTok to engage younger readers Emphasises exclusivity, authenticity, and verification in social videos Aims to reinforce subscriptions and attract new audiences through social-first storytelling The Wall Street Journal is stepping up efforts to reach younger audiences on TikTok, using short-form video to extend its journalism beyond traditional platforms and funnel users towards subscriptions. For many publishers, social video is no longer just a marketing channel but a core part of audience development, particularly as younger consumers turn to platforms such as TikTok for news. Kelcie Pegher, the Journal’s social strategy editor, said in an article…
Aga Khan Development Network sells stake in Nation Media Group, signaling shift towards growth sectors
The Aga Khan Development Network ends a 66-year association with Nation Media Group, selling its controlling stake. Tanzanian businessman Rostam Azizi plans to expand digital and revenue initiatives within the media conglomerate. Market reacts positively, with shares surging over 28% after the announcement. The Aga Khan Development Network is relinquishing its controlling interest in Nation Media Group, formally ending a 66‑year association as the Swiss‑based development investor pivots capital towards sectors it regards as higher growth and more directly measurable in development terms. Under an agreement announced in March, Taarifa Ltd, a vehicle owned by Tanzanian businessman Rostam Azizi, will…
nd moves its daily edition exclusively online from April 2026, while keeping a weekly print issue. The shift responds to falling print sales and rising production costs, emphasizing innovation and reader support. The cooperative ownership model aims to preserve editorial independence amid industry consolidation. The small German newspaper nd will stop printing weekday editions from this month moving its daily journalism online while keeping a weekly paper, a move that underlines the economic strain on print and the growing urgency of digital transition among European publishers. In the wake of Die Tagezeitung’s (taz) decision to end weekday printing last October,…
Jonathan Greenberger to lead Politico from 1 May, focusing on expanding its reach Shift in leadership aims to enhance reporting speed and technological infrastructure Politico continues to diversify with new hires in audio, video, and Capitol Hill coverage Jonathan Greenberger will become Politico’s editor-in-chief on May 1, marking a shift in the US political news outlet’s leadership as it looks to expand its reach across platforms and markets. Greenberger, a former television news executive, joined Politico in April 2024 as executive vice-president after nearly a decade leading ABC News’ Washington bureau. There he oversaw political coverage and served as an…
The industry faces existential questions about purpose and value Traditional notions of a “paper of record” are increasingly outdated Successful organisations will innovatively redefine their role and revenue streams This first appeared in our weekly newsletter Editor’s picks. Sign up here I’ve been turning to existential questions in recent days. Why are we here? What are we doing? Who will miss us when we’re gone? To be clear, I’m not asking these questions about the human race – though they feel more apposite at the moment – but news providers. I think my introspection has come because I’ve been…
Dow Jones aims for $1bn in annual earnings within five years amid shift to digital and AI-driven products The segment’s revenue now 82% digital, with a focus on subscriptions and data services Growth driven by AI licensing, risk and energy intelligence, and enterprise news News Corp said Dow Jones, the…
Jamie Stockwell set to start as vice president of news at USA TODAY in March 2026 Will focus on impartial reporting, innovation, and expanding audience reach Brings extensive experience from The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Axios Local USA Today has appointed Jamie Stockwell as vice president of…
Notus recruits nine seasoned journalists including seven from The Washington Post Move highlights shifts in Washington’s media landscape with talent leaving traditional outlets Organisational rebrand plans suggest ambitions to rival established national newspapers The nonprofit political newsroom NOTUS has hired nine journalists, including seven from The Washington Post, in a…
Teenage use of TikTok and Snapchat declines but persists in some groups Platforms remove millions of underage accounts but face enforcement hurdles International interest grows as Australia’s approach influences other countries’ policies Two months after Australia introduced the world’s first nationwide ban preventing under-16s from holding accounts on major social…
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Investigative journalist Julia Angwin sues Grammarly over unauthorised use of her name in AI tool The case questions whether AI companies need explicit licences for referencing real individuals The lawsuit highlights broader concerns about transparency, consent, and attribution in AI practices A proposed class action in Manhattan federal court accuses…
Over 1.5 million research papers processed with AI in 2025, with a 25% forecasted increase in 2026 Springer Nature’s Snapp platform integrates AI tools to streamline manuscript handling and reviewer management The publisher balances efficiency with human oversight, ensuring transparency and research integrity Springer Nature says it processed more than…
The New York Times newsroom has grown by over 50% in a decade, marking ongoing success. Historical overexpansion at the Washington Post serves as a cautionary tale. Industry-wide decline and AI disruption suggest caution against large-scale staffing growth. This first appeared in our weekly newsletter Editor’s picks. Sign up…
Gen Z remains the primary audience for TikTok but shows signs of waning trust Users nostalgic for earlier, less commercial days and more cautious about content Creators and users increasingly turn to alternatives like YouTube amidst TikTok’s shift towards commerce TikTok remains the platform Gen Z turns to most often…
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Steve Grove discusses the decline of traditional local newspapers amid rising citizen reporting The Star Tribune adapts through digital innovation, risking operational cuts Signs of growth emerge through increased online subscriptions despite funding challenges Sometimes the context around a conversation reshapes its meaning. That was evident at last Friday’s Good Leadership Breakfast when Steve Grove, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune, addressed a room grappling with unrest and uncertainty in local media. Grove — whose career includes senior roles at Google and YouTube and a stint as Minnesota’s commissioner of employment and economic development — has written about…
Major UK news organisations launch SPUR to combat unauthorised AI training use Aim to establish licensing standards and secure fair compensation for original reporting Initiative underscores concerns over AI’s impact on journalism’s economic sustainability Some of Britain’s largest news organisations have launched a coalition to challenge the unauthorised use of journalism by AI developers. Leaders of the BBC, Financial Times, Guardian, Sky News and Telegraph Media Group have signed an open letter announcing SPUR , Standards for Publisher Usage Rights. The group says it will press for clearer rules and compensation when original reporting is used to train artificial intelligence…
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Creators now often surpass traditional outlets as primary news sources on social platforms Significant country differences in news engagement with influencers Gender and platform dynamics are redefining the media landscape Creators and influencers are becoming central to the way people consume news, according to a new report from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ). The study, Mapping News Creators and Influencers on Social and Video Networks, draws on survey data from 24 countries and expands on the 2025 Digital News Report to chart the growing role of individual personalities in shaping public understanding of news. The findings…
Business Insider announces dedicated ‘Business AI’ byline for AI-generated stories, reviewed by humans Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner pushes routine AI use across newsrooms amid strategic shift Company downsizes staff by 21% to focus on AI-enhanced content and new live events division Business Insider is moving rapidly to embed artificial intelligence into its newsroom operations, launching a dedicated “Business AI” byline for stories produced with machine assistance and human editing. The shift aligns with parent company Axel Springer’s plan to make AI central to all its news brands. AI tools are now authorised across Business Insider for drafting, transcription, research,…
Zurich-based Spatz uses AI to deliver hyperlocal newsletters in Swiss villages High engagement with open rates around 70%, reaching up to 20% of residents Funded by €400,000 grant, plans to expand across DACH region with community focus As local newspapers vanish across rural Switzerland, Zürich startup Spatz is using artificial intelligence to bring journalism back to small communities. Founded by journalist Hannes Grassegger, the company produces hyperlocal newsletters that deliver curated regional news via email and WhatsApp, aiming to fill the “news deserts” left by traditional outlets. Grassegger, once known for investigations into Cambridge Analytica and online disinformation, founded Spatz…
Campaign unites consumers and businesses to bolster Australian economy Major retailers offer discounts on Australian-made products to encourage local support Media and retail partnerships aim to boost trust and pride in Australian brands News Australia has launched a national campaign, Back Australia: It’s Good For All Of Us, urging consumers and businesses to support local products and jobs. The initiative highlights how everyday spending choices can strengthen the economy, boost sustainability and promote resilience. “The campaign comes at a time of rapid change and uncertainty,” said Michael Miller, executive chairman of News Corp Australasia. “Choosing Australian products means backing our…
Tammy Tam appointed as publisher to oversee both content and business Editorial independence emphasised amid organisational changes Moves aim to enhance cohesion and financial resilience in a changing media landscape The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has named editor-in-chief Tammy Tam as its new publisher, a position created to oversee both editorial and business operations. The restructuring aims to align the Hong Kong newspaper’s journalistic and commercial ambitions under a single vision. Tam, who has led the newsroom since 2016, will now assume responsibility for the paper’s broader strategy. Before joining SCMP in 2011, she held senior editorial roles in…
Features AI-driven, proactive browsing with context-aware support Introduces Browser Memories for seamless, personalised research tracking Balances innovative productivity tools with ongoing privacy concerns OpenAI’s new web browser, ChatGPT Atlas, marks a significant evolution in how users interact with the internet, blending traditional browsing with advanced artificial intelligence to create a proactive, context-aware assistant embedded directly within the browsing experience. The browser is currently available for macOS, with Windows, iOS, and Android versions promised soon. Atlas is designed not just to show the web but to understand, summarise, and assist users actively as they navigate various sites, offering a glimpse into…
82% of Americans express concern about AI’s influence on news content Majority support laws for fair compensation and regulation of AI in media Experts warn AI increases disinformation threats, risking journalistic integrity When National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) president Curtis LeGeyt opened the Future of Journalism track at NAB Show New York, he posed a question that has become central to the media’s survival: “How do we preserve, trust, and strengthen local journalism as emerging technologies redefine how news is produced, distributed, and consumed?” A new nationwide poll from OnMessage Inc offered a stark answer: the public is worried, deeply…
Studies show that direct prompts can slightly improve LLM accuracy Cultural and language differences influence optimal prompt tone Clarity and specificity remain crucial for effective AI interactions The way users phrase their questions to AI chatbots could affect the accuracy of the answers they receive, according to new research that adds nuance to the emerging science of prompt engineering. A study entitled Mind Your Tone: Investigating How Prompt Politeness Affects LLM Accuracy tested 50 questions written in five tonal variations using ChatGPT-4o. The findings were unexpected: rude prompts slightly outperformed polite ones. On average, very polite requests achieved 80.8% accuracy,…
Research reveals nearly half of AI-generated news responses contain significant errors Gemini and ChatGPT perform notably worse in sourcing and factual accuracy Experts warn of risks to public trust and democratic processes from unreliable AI news tools Artificial intelligence assistants from some of the world’s biggest tech firms are struggling to tell the truth about the news, according to a wide-ranging new study by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC. The research, conducted with 22 public media organisations across 18 countries and in 14 languages, examined more than 3,000 AI-generated responses to news-related questions. It found that 45%…
X tests new ‘link experience’ to boost external content visibility CEO Elon Musk’s previous policies had alienated journalists and writers Latest changes aim to restore platform’s appeal for professional users and increase engagement When Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X, one of his earliest algorithmic priorities was to keep users on the platform. Posts containing external links — once central to Twitter’s role as a hub for news and commentary — were quietly downranked. For journalists and writers, that shift was seismic: a once-essential distribution channel suddenly turned hostile to their work. X appears to…

