SUSTAINABLE MODELS
Why media sector’s print run is not done
Warren Buffett maintains that market leaders in the print industry have a long life ahead
Five years ago, Warren Buffett famously bought a handful of newspapers in a move that went against the generally accepted idea that print media was facing a painful death. While the CEO and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway has expressed his reservations since — saying that local papers are on rocky footing — he maintains that market leaders in the industry have a long life ahead. Naspers CEO Bob van Dijk is less optimistic. "I think the shift [to digital consumption] will be complete in a number of years. It’s hard to speculate whether that will be three, five, seven or 10 years, but newspapers are not there to stay — although news is, and I think if we adjust well it can be an attractive business." Van Dijk says SA is not immune to the erosion of traditional print revenue, but adds that "what I do think is encouraging is that news consumption is not declining, people are just consuming news in different ways". Naspers wants to find a sustainable business model for its publications "b...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.