Digital Innovation Digital Publishing
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The Must-Read Publishing Stories You May Have Missed Sep 6th 2019

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Facebook looking to ditch the ‘Like’ count, insights into how young people consume news, and more

How well do you really know your young readers?

The Reuters Institute’s latest report was released this week, doing a deep dive into how young people consume news, and the implications for mainstream media.

The report set out to answer two key questions; how do young people consume news, and how can news publishers attract young readers, listeners and viewers?

We at WNIP have done a round-up of the core findings, including the disconnect between what traditional news publishers perceive the role of news to be, and what the younger generation expects from it.

The report is an essential read for anyone working in media hoping to reach under 35’s, but it also contains valuable learnings for product designers on how expectations for website and app design are being driven by popular sites like Facebook and Netflix.

@WNIP

What’s new this week

The New York Times is struggling on the digital front

On Aug 7, the New York Times reported it had reached a record high in the number of paid subscriptions, with 4.7 million people paying for the publisher’s products. On the same day they shared all this good news, stock plunged by as much as 20%, and it has not strayed from that range since then. 

How would it impact publishers if Facebook ditches the Like count?
It seems logical that Facebook’s hiding of Likes will have a similar impact to Instagram on those who use the platform for business, including publishers.
A new Face for 2019: iconic music magazine relaunches with four cover stars
The Face, a British music, fashion and culture magazine, is due to hit newsstands again tomorrow after a 15 year absence.
The best upcoming publishing events in the Americas
To help you sort your calendar, we’ve picked out the must-attend publishing events across the Americas for the next few months, from the mega-conferences to more intimate gatherings.
Make news products “as simple and intuitive as Facebook or Netflix”
Reuters has published a new report, “How young people consume news and the implications for mainstream media”. Here are some of the core findings.
Creating a global festival for magazine lovers: PPA Scotland’s Laura Kelly Dunlop
This week, PPA Scotland business manager Laura Dunlop shares her excitement for this year’s Magfest conference and the launch of the first Edinburgh International Magazine Festival.
“No Negative Monday” and other ideas from South Asian newsrooms addressing local challenges
WAN-IFRA’s “State of Newsrooms in South Asia” report published earlier this month, is the first comprehensive study of the issues faced by newsrooms in the South Asian region. 
Africa: a digital coming of age
Africa’s lack of internet access has been well documented. But growing access, together with a rapid uptake in smartphone use, is spurring publishers to change direction.
“We all need to choose, Planet or Plastic?”: Magazines look into alternatives to polybagging
Over the last months, it’s become a noticeable trend among publishers to invest in compostable or sustainable wrapping. 
Why habit formation is key for all news media
The number of days a subscriber reads in a month was found to relate to the percent cancelling their subscription.
Innovation: Are you ready to embrace failure?
The companies that are seeing the most success are those that have moved away from ‘chasing innovation for the sake of it,’ towards a more measured, strategic approach.
Why building online communities could be the solution journalism needs
Overall, subscription and membership represent different value propositions for your audience, and should be considered and applied thoughtfully.
How can local news organizations thrive in a digital age?
Local news is the glue that holds communities together. They’re where we find out about things that affect our immediate lives: information about schools, housing, healthcare and crime.
Fake or not? Decoding the authenticity of online news
Being well-informed is crucial in this era where news travels at the speed of light. In fact, the time it takes for an event to become a news story may have contributed to the rise in fake news.