For anybody who has followed the news over the past few years (probably on a computer), the long-awaited demise of newspapers shouldn't come as much of a surprise. But on Wednesday, the bell tolled once again for the printed word when the University of Southern California's Annenberg Center for the Digital Future offered a prophecy: Within five years, only four major daily papers will continue in print form.
Wondering how much it will cost to read stories on The New York Times's website once the newspaper sets up its long-anticipated pay wall? While a final price hasn't been set yet, unidentified sources told Bloomberg News that it'll come to less than $20 per month.
Two newspaper companies, The New York Times Co. and McClatchy, both saw advertising revenues decline in the third quarter, compared to a year ago. And that's after last year's ad sales plunged from 2008.
Every company promises a better product -- a better burger, a better search engine, a better hotel room. For these companies, their secret for a superior product is worth millions -- or even billions.
In the fourth quarter of 2009, when other huge newspaper companies were experiencing a mild turnaround, The New York Times Co. recorded a 14.7% drop in advertising revenue, according to its year-end earnings report.
After months of deliberations, The New York Times has finally decided on both a structure for charging readers to access to its popular website and a date when the pay demands will take effect.
What media-industry developments and market forces will make headlines in the year to come? Pay-to-read online content, tablet computers, mom-and-pop newsrooms and, oh yes -- banks taking over the magazine and newspaper game.
