Revenue 2012: The Newspaper As Entrepreneur

Editor&Publisher reporting: It was just a short while ago that print publications were writing their own obituaries, seemingly giving up the fight for audiences and advertisers in the onset of the digital age. That is no longer the case.

In 2012, print organizations are finding new ways to retain and grow audiences and advertising. By thinking creatively, print organizations are finding ways to take on digital media and level the playing field. Now, companies like The New York Times and Los Angeles Times are offering classes and lectures for the public. The Los Angeles paper has a huge book fair and gives out annual book awards. They and many other newspapers create and sponsor events and merchandise. The New York Times, for example, has for many years sold photos and front-page reprints. They have a wine club (nytwineclub.com), as does The Wall Street Journal (wsjwine.com), through which individuals can buy wines at different price points. Newspaper groups are joining together in advertising ventures (quadrantone.com) and in any other way that will help in this changing environment.
In short, in the quest to survive and thrive, newspapers are turning very entrepreneurial.
Nights On The Town
Last month, the New York Times announced a travel program called “Times Journeys” which, according to a press release, “will engage participants in conversation and thought-provoking analysis on an expedition of seminars covering current events, film, science, music, and technology.” Film critic A.O. Scott will be among Times staffers on the journey.
The Times also hosts “Arts & Leisure” weekends throughout the year. This gives people the opportunity to hear public figures they might otherwise not have an opportunity to hear...
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