The age of ‘how’

News publishers these days often ask the question – why aren’t they as profitable as they were not so long ago?

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News used to be about ‘what’. Broadsheet for quality and tabloid for lighter news, but the product of News used to, for many years, equal newspapers. The digital revolution put ‘how’ in front.

How is content produced?
It’s no longer just articles, it’s images, photo galleries, videos, professional blogs, comments, as well as user generated content, such as sms, mms, and even voting…

How is content to be delivered?
Through what platform – web, mobile, apps, or e-reader. And in what shape or form – email subscription, via browsing, and or feeds.

And at last but not least… how to monetise content? 
Murdoch is (literally) charging ahead and is erecting pay walls, while others swear on free access and an advertising funded model. There is no one size fits all in media. Since there are so many different products for audiences to enjoy, both have merit, and possibly both have a place.
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