Emerging business models of newspaper printing

The daily paid and free print circulation of newspaper globally is 686 million copies. Circulation has registered a 0.4% growth. According to the statistics, 2.7bn i.e. 45% of all adults read the printed newspaper whereas, 0.8bn around 42% of all desktop internet users read newspapers in digital formats.

05 Sep 2015 | By Priya Raju

Manfred Werfel, director, World Printers Forum, Wan-Ifra, said, “The print and digital circulation revenue is USD 92bn and the print and digital advertising revenue USD 87bn. At the show, a report on the new and emerging business models of newspaper printing was released. The report presents eight international cases, illustrating different points of view. “We hope to stimulate a discussion among the print community,” said Werfel.
 
Werfel said, “Publishers are constantly looking for new business models. Also, newspaper printers feel the need to look ahead and plan their future strategies.”
 
There are changing preferences and demands from the market and this has stimulated an evolutionary process. Werfel added, “The printing industry is innovating and experimenting to come up with solutions best suited to challenges.”
 
The cost of printing is coming more and more into focus due to price competition. “Those who don’t adapt will lose their market position. Also, The European models that have been found to work best are turning printing facilities into profit centres or engaging an external operator,” explained Werfel.
 
In India, many of the national dailies outsource printing either to independent printers or to printing facilities of other newspapers. Whereas, in North America media houses are finding that handing over printing to experienced printers is the most efficient way forward. 
 
The newspaper printer as a service provider for the print media is the most favoured new ‘tried-and-tested’ model across the globe. Hence, print is part of the newspaper’s future. 
 
“With 2.7bn readers, print creates more than 93% of revenues. The print is high in performance, addresses all senses, has non-disturbing advertising and returning customers,” concluded Werfel.