This graph records the decline in print newspaper advertising revenue in the US between 1950 and 2014 and shows quite compellingly that the cause can be found on the internet, primarily in the shape of Google and Facebook.
There is no reason to suppose that this pattern is not repeated in Ireland, Britain or elsewhere in Europe. Interestingly. print media efforts to raise money themselves on the internet, presumably through web subscriptions, have had little ameliorating effect according to the graph.
Bye, bye newspapers…….
[I work for Google, but have no connection to or specialized knowledge on advertising. The following are just my personal opinions as someone with an interest in technology.]
Interesting graph, but I think the overlay of Google/Facebook revenue overlooks more significant other factors.
On the internet newspapers face direct competition from international accessible, frequently updated and free news sources, including TV organizations such as CNN and the BBC who were faster to take advantage of online access whilst continuing to increase availability of their TV offerings with cable, satellite etc. Internationally, TV companies are better known brands. Smartphones were introduced around 2007, and the change around then may reflect the newspaper industry beginning to take advantage of advertising on new on demand media.
There is a graph below is of average daily unique browser hits and print readership for UK newspapers.
https://gigaom.com/2012/08/08/two-years-after-the-tipping-point-papers-web-readership-is-booming/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+pcorg+(paidContent)
In the original graph you included, Google and Facebook revenue graphs reflect increases in web usage in general (e.g. search youtube, social media etc.) – so have far wider scope than online news. The start of drop in newspaper advertising revenue occurs a few years after Google (search) started, and the rate of decrease in newspaper advertising revenue actually slows around 2007 despite Google revenue continuing to increase at a fast rate, and the introduction of Facebook. I don’t see a strong correlation in the graph and doubt Google or Facebook were primarily responsible for the decline. Advertisers many choose to spend on TV or online advertising according to where they see most benefit, and Google and Facebook help provide data to help gain increased benefit from and evaluate such campaigns, so they are not unconnected. Users also choose how they view (or listen to) their news, but news is not the primary focus of either Google or Facebook and I wonder if changing availability, readers behavior and expectations, and competition with better established and resourced news media organisations are the main factors in the decline of traditional newspapers.
Paul.
On Tue, Nov 8, 2016 at 8:12 AM, The Broken Elbow wrote:
> The Broken Elbow posted: “This graph records the decline in print > newspaper advertising revenue in the US between 1950 and 2014 and shows > quite compellingly that the cause can be found on the internet, primarily > in the shape of Google and Facebook. There is no reason to suppose” >
thanks paul. i’ll have a closer look at this when things have calmed down
Pingback: Should Google Be Regulated? An Interview with Rand Fishkin