As mentioned in the September issue, our publisher, Seabreeze Communications, will no longer be producing a newsprint-type format of BTP. They developed this dedicated website with a flip-book style reader for easy online browsing of BTP by our members.
SO, WHY GO DIGITAL?
- The cost of the actual paper BTP is printed on has climbed more than 30% from 2020 to2022, and continues to rise. This spike has, in no small part, been precipitated by diminishing newsprint production amid the longer-term decline of print newspapers. Newsprint mills are closing, or pivoting to produce more lucrative types of paper, not least of which is packaging for companies like Amazon.
- According to the Pew Research Center, “Newspapers are a critical part of the American news landscape, but they have been hit hard as more and more Americans consume news digitally. The industry’s financial fortunes and subscriber base have been in decline since the mid-2000s.
- ”US newspaper publishers are expected to lose $2.4 billion in ad investment from 2021 to 2026, primarily due to declines in print advertising.
- As of 2022, about 86% of adults in the US get their news online, either via mobile or laptop.
- In 2023, only 5% prefer getting news from printed media. Roughly half (52%) prefer getting their news from digital platforms.
- Digital advertising accounted for 48% of newspaper advertising revenue in 2022, based on this analysis of publicly traded newspaper companies. This follows a steady increase from 17% in 2011.
SO, WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GOING DIGITAL?
- Wider Reach: Any adult with an email address in HP’s data base will receive their own copy.
- Mobile Accessibility: BTP will be available on your laptop, tablet, or cell phone, whichever you prefer.
- Only one BTP per month. Since it will be in a digital format, there’s no limit on the number of pages available for copy and photos. So, there will no longer be a need for BTP EXTRA.
- Photographs and graphics will be far easier to view and will be of higher quality.
- Interactivity and Engagement: Links will be clickable, and can include email links, links to HP’s website, videos, etc.
- Timeliness: Digital offers a much shorter distribution timeline, making the information more recent and relevant.
- Other features to come: An events page to keep you informed about what’s happening at HP, access to prior issues, and a resource page to connect you with local providers.
