World Press Trends Outlook 2021-2022

Abstract

This edition of WAN-IFRA’s annual flagship research and report reveals an industry challenged but optimistic about its business. It examines the results of publishers’ business in 2021, their forecasts for 2022 and beyond, and the trends and issues shaping the industry.

Our research shows news publishers feel confident about tackling the ongoing coronavirus crisis, and that some of their early pandemic-era pivots are beginning to pay dividends. However, publishers still need to navigate considerable transformation and turmoil, even if there are signs of a resurgence in global advertising markets and a maturing of many reader revenue strategies. The invasion of Ukraine has further undermined companies’ plans, as how that conflict will unfold can have long-lasting effects on industries across the board, in addition to the humanitarian crisis it is causing.

As in the previous years, the World Press Trends Outlook analysis is based on an online survey distributed to industry leaders. 162 news executives from 58 countries took part in the survey in Fall 2021 – a big thank you to them for sharing their insights, results and strategies.

In addition, WAN-IFRA works with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and ZenithOptimedia for key performance indicators (revenue, circulation and ad spend). For additional audience insights, we work with analytics specialist Chartbeat.

World Press Trends is supported by Protecmedia, the content management provider.

Keywords: digital, digital media, publishing, media, press, press trends, mass media, mass communication, journalism, freedom of expression, news publishing, news media, digital transformation, new media, newspapers, advertising, news industry, research, trends, analysis, market reports, World Press Trends

JEL Classification: L96, L90, L98, L99, L82, L80, L88, L89, M2, M20, M14, M3, M30, M37, M38, M39, O3, O30,