Good Morning from Press Gazette – Thursday, 26 March
Today’s newsletter is presented in collaboration with Opinary by Affinity, the innovative audience engagement platform behind interactive polls for reputed publications such as The Economist, FT, and The Times.
Their most recent case study elucidates how The Economist Insider employs reader polls to foster subscriber relationships and enhance participation.
Our latest Reality Wars investigation delves into the domain of parasitic SEO, examining a UK company that has ostensibly acquired reputable newsbrands to exploit their site authority on Google to redirect content towards offshore gambling sites.
This company’s modus operandi appears to involve terminating staff journalists, substituting them with AI algorithms, and inundating the sites with gambling-related content until Google notices and effectively de-ranks the sites from search results.
Once this occurs, a website becomes virtually nonexistent; even searching for its name yields no results.
The website of the Charlie Gard Foundation now promotes gambling for an SEO firm
Additionally, we report on a revolutionary source protection technology implemented at The Guardian, which has significantly enhanced the acquisition of high-quality tips.
This article explores the mechanics of the technology, the challenges of safeguarding sources in the digital era, and offers insights on how other publications can access this technology at no cost.
In a noteworthy endeavour, a former magazine journalist, Georgina Wilson-Powell, aims to rejuvenate local journalism, particularly in coastal regions.
She has launched her inaugural email newsletter in Margate and plans to expand to three seaside towns.
With a burgeoning audience of paid subscribers and a waiting list for advertisers, she envisions further titles in coastal communities across the UK.
Don’t Miss Media Group home pages, and founder Georgina Wilson-Powell (top right)
In the realm of significant legal developments, Meta and Google have recently been deemed liable by a US court for negligently impacting an individual’s mental health.
These corporations are estimated to amass a staggering £26 billion annually in the UK, with a substantial portion derived from content deemed fraudulent, illegal, or detrimental.
This figure does not stray far from the total budget allocated for primary education in the UK.
Given that executives at these firms are likely to endure increased scrutiny regarding their roles in promoting addictive algorithms detrimental to children’s mental health, the appointment of the former Google EMEA president, Matt Brittin, as BBC director-general could prove to be a precarious decision.
The Economist has enhanced its bond with subscribers through the launch of The Insider – a weekly newsletter and discussion forum that encourages reader participation via polls.
In a successful partnership with Opinary by Affinity, they offer exclusive insights into their method of engagement and the resultant achievements.
Find out how to:
- Establish a “personal reader connection” linked to subscriber renewal and retention.
- Formulate an Insider-style loop wherein readers shape the discourse.
- Stimulate repeat engagement by providing readers with incentives to return, including anticipation and follow-up on poll outcomes.
Former Google executive Matt Brittin has now been appointed as the BBC director general, having resigned from his position as non-executive director of Guardian Media Group. (BBC)
Substack has chosen Renée Kaplan, the former head of digital editorial development at the Financial Times, as its inaugural head of partnerships in France, aiming to cultivate relationships with French writers and media organisations. (LinkedIn)
The Financial Times has announced the appointment of Mel Unsworth (formerly of retailer END Clothing) as its chief technology officer, succeeding Rebecca Salsbury, who joined the FT management board as chief product and technology officer in January. (Financial Times)
The Society of Professional Journalists has criticised Massachusetts for shortcomings in the state’s public records law, pinpointing persistent delays that hinder access to government information. (Media Nation)
According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Centre, approximately 36% of US adults turn to their “preferred news organisation” for breaking news, while 28% utilize search engines, and 19% resort to social media. About 5% consult friends, family, or acquaintances for additional information. (Pew Research Centre)
The circulation of publications has stabilised in recent years at approximately 70,000 bi-weekly.
The Guardian has surpassed The Times to emerge as the most-read newspaper brand among Members of Parliament.
A judge has ruled that Helena World and Emmerich Newspapers failed to substantiate claims of harm.
It is crucial for publishers to concentrate on an engagement strategy that transforms mere attention into sustained usage, enriched data, and enduring revenue streams.
Gavin Burrows asserts that a narrative has been constructed around him that he claims he can demonstrate is false.
In a recent podcast, ADWEEK’s chief strategy officer, Mike Beyman, discusses AI, technological transformations, and innovative advertising strategies for publishers with Press Gazette editor-in-chief, Dominic Ponsford. This episode is sponsored by WordPress VIP.
Source link: Pressgazette.substack.com.
