As digital transformation accelerates, platform relationships evolve, and press freedom faces new challenges, news publishers are demonstrating resilience and adaptability. The latest World Press Trends Outlook 2024-2025 report from WAN-IFRA highlights a growing sense of optimism, with 61% of media executives expressing confidence in the next 12 months, increasing to 64% over the next three years. With a focus on revenue diversification, AI-driven innovation, and strategic investments, the report provides key insights into how the industry is positioning itself for sustainable growth.
The survey, conducted across 85 countries with input from 242 senior media executives, paints a mixed picture: While challenges persist, 61% of respondents express optimism for the next 12 months, rising to 64% over the next three years. This growing confidence stems from strategic shifts in revenue generation, digital transformation, and investments in technology.
Key insights from the report include:
Revenue diversification gains momentum
While print remains a significant part of the business, its share of total revenue has dropped to 45%, continuing a downward trend from 57.5% in 2023. At the same time, digital revenue has grown by 7% year-on-year, fueled by subscriptions, paywalls, and monetization of emerging formats such as podcasts and newsletters.
Publishers are also tapping into alternative revenue streams, with events, e-commerce, and memberships now accounting for nearly a quarter (23.8%) of total revenue. Events, in particular, have emerged as a leading non-traditional revenue source.
AI and Data analytics dominate investment priorities
Artificial Intelligence continues to transform newsrooms, with 87% of publishers identifying AI and automation as top investment areas. AI is being leveraged across the industry, from dynamic paywalls and automated audio articles to newsroom efficiencies and content personalization. The focus on AI is closely followed by data analytics (86%), reflecting a broader shift toward audience-centric and data-driven publishing strategies.
Editorial investments surge as publishers focus on differentiation
As publishers compete for audience attention, editorial spending has risen significantly, now accounting for 37% of overall budgets, up from 28% in 2023. This underscores a renewed commitment to high-quality content, investigative journalism, and new editorial verticals.
Meanwhile, investment in product development has halved compared to last year, suggesting that many publishers are now focused on optimizing existing platforms rather than launching entirely new products.
Shifting media-tech relations and platform revenue declines
While publishers continue to explore partnerships with tech platforms, revenue from these collaborations has declined. Only 12% of publishers’ total revenue now comes from platform partnerships, down from 15.1% last year.
The report also highlights that relationships with generative AI companies, messaging apps, and video platforms have improved, while social media and news aggregators remain areas of tension.
Press freedom concerns escalate
Despite industry optimism, threats to media freedom remain an urgent issue. The report notes a concerning increase in online harassment, cyberattacks, legal intimidation, and even physical violence against journalists. In 2024 alone, nearly 100 journalists lost their lives, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by media professionals worldwide.
Looking ahead
The World Press Trends Outlook 2024-2025 report underscores a news industry in flux – one that is actively reshaping itself in response to economic pressures, technological advancements, and shifting audience behaviors. Publishers are diversifying revenue models, doubling down on AI and analytics, and investing in editorial excellence to stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape.
While press freedom remains under threat, and print revenues continue to decline, publishers are navigating the digital era with a mix of innovation and pragmatism. The coming years will test the resilience of the industry, but with rising optimism and strategic adaptation, news organizations are positioning themselves for sustainable growth.
