Has Print Media Hit Bottom?

Finally advertising revenue is going up for the industry. But not subscriptions. Over at the Washington Post, they’re selling Newsweek Magazine. There does not appear to be a path for recovery for that publication.

Part of the industry’s problem is loss of credibility. Too many times ideology has trumped facts. Even readers who agree with a publication’s point of view can feel that they’re being manipulated over being informed. Management of these declining media may not be able to control many factors in this internet era but this is one that they can.

There’s a lesson there for the internet publishing industry.

On another front, internet media needs a viable business plan. This plan should have 3 legs to earn revenue: 1) Reader support; 2) Advertising; and 3) Sponsorships. We can understand the last two legs but how to garner reader support? Getting readers to pay $ remains this industry’s biggest challenge.