Trends: Newspaper Industry Facing Difficulties

Those of us in the public relations profession are well advised to stay abreast of trends in the media. With that in mind, these articles related to the newspaper industry caught my attention:

Atlanta Journal-Constitution will cut staff, tighten operations (Cox News Service): "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will cut its work force by about 8 percent, or 189 jobs, and eliminate all of its geographically targeted news sections as part of a cost-cutting plan. The moves come amid an advertising revenue slump that has ravaged the newspaper industry and has been made worse by rising costs for fuel and newsprint."

Gannett second-quarter profit falls by 36 percent, revenue falls (Editor & Publisher): "Gannett Co., the nation's largest newspaper publisher, on Wednesday reported a 36% drop in second-quarter earnings as the newspaper industry's woes caused a sharp decline in revenue."

This news comes in the wake of previous reports which demonstrate an increase in online advertising. From Reuters (March 28, 2008): Online newspaper ad spending up 19 pct in 2007.

It is clear that the Internet is becoming an increasingly powerful player as a news source. According to an August 2007 study by Rasmussen Reports: "Americans over 50 name television as the best way to get news and information in today’s world. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that adults under 40 name the Internet as the best source while 40-somethings are divided between those two worlds. Print newspapers are considered the best source for many senior citizens but hardly anybody else. "

It's a brave new world, and we in the public relations profession would be well advised stay ahead of the curve when it comes to trends such as these.