04 June 2024

Axios Takes on Pay-Walled Newsrooms...Make that America's Biggest News Companies

Here is reporter Sara Fischer's opening statement: 

"Newsrooms typically immersed in political coverage during a presidential election year are instead focused on saving their own businesses."



Choice of image used: Illustration of several ships made out of origami newspaper circling down a maelstrom. 

Media scrambles for survival ahead of 2024


Newsrooms typically immersed in political coverage during a presidential election year are instead focused on saving their own businesses.

Why it matters: 
  • Major restructurings, layoffs and newsroom overhauls are unusual for America's biggest news companies just months ahead of a highly anticipated presidential race.
  • With business headwinds growing stronger, news leaders know they can't afford to push off changes any longer
  • Subscription media growth has slowed as publishers struggle to replace customers who canceled their Trump-era subscriptions.

The Washington Post
CNN
The Wall Street Journal 
ABC News

Outline of massive changes to editorial structures

THE BIG PICTURE: 
More American media companies are focused on consumer revenue amid a weak advertising market and increasing threat from AI.

To do so, many are trying to recruit executives with experience managing paywalled newsrooms.


That often comes at the expense of diversity, and in many cases, includes a focus on British talent.

No comments: