Small publishers have longer runway to digital, but they still need to take off

The print piece is always going to be an important part of our business, but the opportunity is ... the mobile device.”

Leonard Woolsey, president, Southern Newspapers

Our solutions partners have so many options. They can help not just the large newspapers but can absolutely help small newspapers. They enable the small publishers to be able to access tools. No question, there are a number of opportunities out there.”

Dean Ridings, CEO, America's Newspapers

While some major local news outlets are well along on a dramatic pivot from print to digital, many smaller newsrooms remain bullish on print, and some seem to be in no big hurry to build up their online presence.

Problem is, while these small outlets may well have a longer runway to a digital-first future, they do have to get airborne sooner or later.

There are significant challenges.

There’s the issue of tech support, which is difficult for small publishers to find and afford. Along with that comes a lack of ability to gather and analyze metrics on reader behavior, meaning that they’re missing out on a huge opportunity to know their audience better. And then there’s the problem of spotty internet in some rural markets.

There are basic roadblocks in business structure and culture too. 

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