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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Quora ranks as the fourth most-cited source in Google’s AI Mode, after LinkedIn, Reddit, and Google AI responses blend multiple Quora answers with sophisticated paraphrasing, prioritising relevance over keyword matching Engagement metrics and content quality influence whether Quora threads are featured in AI-generated answers Google’s new AI Mode is reshaping online visibility, with Quora emerging as one of its most influential sources. Quora, the community-driven platform where users ask and answer questions across every imaginable topic, now ranks as the fourth most-cited domain in Google’s AI-generated answers, behind only LinkedIn, Reddit and Google itself. An analysis by Semrush of 26,000…
Heller shifts Business Insider towards specialised business beats Focus on collaboration aims to combat newsroom silos Emphasis on timely, objective reporting in a competitive landscape A year into her role as editor-in-chief of Business Insider, Jamie Heller is sharpening the publication’s focus on specialised business journalism while pushing for a more collaborative newsroom culture. Heller, who took over in September 2024 after two decades at The Wall Street Journal, told LinkedIn’s Andrew Murfett that her priority is to move away from siloed content production and towards a unified editorial identity. “People did their thing,” she said of the earlier approach,…
Newsweek introduces its most comprehensive visual redesign in decades The overhaul aims to unify print, digital, video and social media platforms under a new aesthetic Strategic rebranding seeks to reinforce relevance and audience engagement Newsweek has unveiled a sweeping redesign and rebrand, described as its most comprehensive visual overhaul in decades, as it seeks to modernise its identity and strengthen its position in today’s crowded media landscape. Branded “A World Drawn Closer,” the redesign unites Newsweek’s print, digital, video and social platforms under a single visual system. The new look includes a refined wordmark, a bold “N” icon, and a…
Google ceases political ads in the EU ahead of October 2025 regulation Meta announces similar halt, citing regulatory burdens Shift signals changing landscape for digital political communication and online transparency Google has pre-emptively ceased accepting political advertisements across the European Union, well in advance of the EU’s Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) regulation taking effect on October 10. Under the new EU regulation, any ad deemed political must be explicitly identified, including disclosing the sponsor, relevant election or referendum, payment amounts and targeting methods. Advertisers must declare whether their campaign falls under the political advertisement definition by responding…
The London Spy halts publication citing burnout and unmet goals Growing new outlets suggest a renaissance in London’s local journalism Subscribers offered partial refunds as the team considers a scaled-back return The London Spy, a newsletter devoted to long-form reporting on the city’s news and culture, has announced it is pausing publication after nearly two years, citing burnout and the difficulty of sustaining the workload. The independent outlet had come close to covering its costs through paid subscriptions – enough for one of the founders to cut back their day job – but said deadlines had begun to dictate the work more…
Future plc launches Collab to unite digital creators with trusted brands High-profile titles like Marie Claire and Who What Wear participate Initiative aims to deliver authentic content through collaboration and innovation Future has launched a new initiative, Collab, designed to bring together the influence of digital creators with the authority of its established media brands. The programme pairs creators with titles such as Marie Claire, Who What Wear, Ideal Home and Homes & Gardens to produce content that speaks authentically to each brand’s audience. Hillary Kerr, senior vice president of Women & Luxury at Future and co-founder of Who What…
Microsoft launches Publisher Content Marketplace to compensate publishers for AI use of content Pilot phase begins with select US publishers amid ongoing copyright disputes Industry tensions grow over fair pay, regulatory calls, and AI’s impact on journalism Microsoft is preparing to launch a new platform that could reshape how publishers are compensated for their journalism in the age of AI. The Publisher Content Marketplace (PCM) will integrate with Microsoft’s Copilot assistant and pay publishers based on how their content is used within AI applications, signalling a shift toward a more formalised licensing model between tech firms and news outlets. According…
A coalition of leading economists highlights the role of independent journalism in global economic health Misinformation risks are escalating with AI, threatening social stability and market integrity Urgent policy actions are needed to sustain trustworthy media and support economic resilience A coalition of 11 leading economists, including Nobel laureates Joseph Stiglitz and Daron Acemoğlu, has issued a stark warning that the collapse of independent journalism poses a direct threat to global economic prosperity. Their new report, The Economic Imperative of Investing in Public Interest Media, published by the High-Level Panel on Public Interest Media convened by the Forum on Information…
Social start-up secures over $10 million in new funding Launch of SaySo, a creator-centric app, aims to deepen audience engagement and monetisation Caliber expands its portfolio, focusing on diverse revenue streams amid industry shifts The News Movement, the Gen Z-focused social-led media brand, has entered a new phase of growth and maturity following a significant investment believed to exceed $10 million. This infusion of capital marks a transition from its early “scrappy start-up” days to a more established media entity under the new name of Caliber. Caliber was created to oversee a portfolio of socially native brands, including The…
Darcy’s newsletter recruits top reporters from Vanity Fair and The Wrap to deepen media coverage Status transitions to a seven-day publication, incorporating a new video podcast, Power Lines Growth driven by a focus on accountability journalism in an increasingly consolidated media landscape Oliver Darcy, the former CNN media reporter who launched the independent newsletter Status, is expanding his media-focused publication with new editorial hires, a daily publishing schedule and a push into video. Darcy, who left CNN in August 2024 after serving as senior media reporter and writing the network’s Reliable Sources newsletter, has recruited two high-profile journalists: Brian Lowry…

