Journalism, Media, and Technology Trends to watch in 2023

The journalism, media, and technology industries are undergoing rapid transformations, driven by digital advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. Smartcom highlights the major trends that will shape 2023, from the decline of print media to the rise of streaming and AI-driven content distribution.

The Decline of Print and the Shift to Digital

The increasing cost of print production and shrinking distribution networks are forcing more newspapers and magazines to transition to digital-only models. In 2023, expect to see:

• More publications reducing print frequency or eliminating physical editions altogether.
• Regional and local newspapers being hit hardest due to declining print sales.
• Publishers exploring alternative distribution methods, such as leveraging public mail services or establishing their own delivery networks.
• Green consumerism accelerating the shift away from print, as sustainability concerns grow among readers.

As digital transformation becomes a necessity, many publishers are investing in subscription-based revenue models, interactive content, and AI-powered journalism to maintain engagement. Paywalls and membership programs are becoming increasingly common as media outlets seek financial stability. Moreover, hybrid models combining free and premium content are helping news organizations strike a balance between accessibility and profitability.

The Rise of Digital Broadcasting and Streaming

With traditional TV viewership declining, broadcasters are focusing on digital platforms to reach audiences. Key trends in 2023 include:

• Broadcasters integrating live news and on-demand content into streaming services, following the lead of CNN, Discovery+, and ITVX.
• Public broadcasters like the BBC signaling a future shift away from traditional TV and radio transmissions in favor of apps and digital platforms.
• News fatigue among audiences leading to job cuts in TV journalism, with competition from streaming services adding further pressure.
• The growing influence of ad-supported streaming models, as platforms like Netflix explore new revenue streams.

Additionally, podcasting and live audio formats are gaining traction, offering audiences a more flexible way to consume news. As platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts continue to expand their content offerings, many news organizations are investing in high-quality, serialized audio journalism to engage younger demographics. The rise of AI-powered voice assistants and personalized audio recommendations is further enhancing user experiences and boosting content discoverability.

The Evolution of Platform-Publisher Relationships

Tensions between major tech platforms and publishers are expected to intensify in 2023 as revenue-sharing agreements expire. Notable developments include:

• Meta (Facebook) discontinuing multi-year deals with publishers in the U.S., potentially leading to significant revenue shortfalls.
• Tech giants such as Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and TikTok rapidly expanding their advertising businesses, increasing competition for ad dollars.
• The phase-out of third-party cookies prompting publishers to collect first-party data, with initiatives like Switzerland’s OneLog and Portugal’s Nonio paving the way for a sustainable digital future.
• Unified login systems allowing publishers to enhance user experience and deliver better-targeted advertising while maintaining privacy compliance.

To counteract declining ad revenue, some publishers are forming alliances to negotiate better deals with platforms and governments. Collaborative efforts, such as the formation of industry-wide coalitions, are enabling media companies to leverage their collective bargaining power and advocate for fairer revenue distribution models. These alliances are not only strengthening publishers’ positions but also fostering innovation in how digital journalism is monetized.

Reference: Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism – University of Oxford