One of the biggest and most exciting topics surrounding the new Apple iPad is the effect it may have on newspapers. Apple is obviously aware of this–in fact, as I write this blog the apple.com homepage shows an iPad with the New York Times featured prominently on its screen.
Is this the breakthrough newspapers have been waiting for? Are we about to usher in a new phase of digital journalism? Remarkably, the answer to both questions might be yes!
I’ve always thought that the survival of newspapers would come not from new technology, but from an industry-wide movement toward charging for content. My premise is that newspapers offer undeniable value, value that (before 10 years ago) we never thought twice about paying for.
Well, it looks like technology in the form of the iPad might usher in that switch to charging for online content. Because of its design, the iPad may revive the type of reading we know from print–multiple articles on one “page,” a better ability to “skim” the newspaper, different size fonts, layouts, etc. Of course, we’ll have to see wait and see what The New York Times and other newspapers’ apps look like and how they function, but the buzz is definitely there.
Of course, that potential change from charging for content, not charging and then asking readers to go back and pay again won’t be easy. The newspapers will have to weigh the possibility of losing readers and advertisers vs. the potential increased revenue. The stakes for this one are high, and I’ll certainly be watching to see what the introduction of the iPad means to the newspaper industry.
Author Bio:
Tony Rosato, Alstin's Vice President, Client Development, is the most well-traveled member of our team and one of the nicest guys we know. Sharing his 20 years of industry experience with prospective clients everywhere, Tony's Type A personality is powered by premium iced tea (but never chocolate).
Entries (RSS)
I’m really looking forward to this device because it will help capture the casual nature of reading the newspaper. You can just kick back on the couch, touch links and flip pages. If you’re a good bookmark user, you’ll seldom need to bring up the keyboard! – j
im loving the ipad personally. what do you think of it now? was it upto your standards?
Had a chance to play with the iPad over the weekend at a friend’s house. Can’t believe the picture clarity and “intuitiveness” of it. Definitely a fan. How it will change the role of newspapers still to be determined, but I “read” a USA Today on the iPad and I have to believe it’s pretty much what newspapers wanted. Thanks for the comment!