InPublishing’s latest issue highlights urgent challenges and opportunities for publishers. Topics include media accountability, AI’s impact, print sustainability, paywall strategies, and community building.
The May/June edition of InPublishing magazine offers a snapshot of the most pressing issues and opportunities facing publishers and media professionals. Each article in the issue delivers a focused takeaway, ranging from the role of the free market in holding public figures accountable to the risks posed by low-quality AI-generated content.
One article suggests that the free market has been more effective than mainstream media in scrutinizing Donald Trump, according to John Sweeney. Another piece, by Alastair Lewis, argues that publishers have a unique chance to counteract the spread of low-value “AI slop” and reinforce trust and creativity in content.
Jo Beattie emphasizes the importance of deep supply chain engagement and environmentally conscious decisions at every stage of print production to reduce carbon footprints. Tom Lake and Will Bailey, in a sponsored article by 67 Bricks, advise publishers to show early progress in data transformation projects rather than waiting for a major launch, encouraging teams to realize value incrementally.
David Higgerson, interviewed by Steve Dyson, recommends that paywall strategies should keep content discoverable, allowing potential readers to sample material before subscribing. Rob Hunt, in conversation with Ciar Byrne, notes that experiential marketing is essential for high-value products like cars, as buyers need direct experiences rather than just digital outreach.
Robin Booth describes how emap is leveraging an AI agent to generate live session summaries at conferences, with attendee engagement indicating strong interest. Niamh McIntyre, featured in Alan Geere’s article, calls for journalists to demystify AI by asking practical questions, rather than treating it as an inexplicable force.
Venessa Paech, in Phil Clark’s article, highlights the critical role of founding members in building and managing strong communities. Janet White and Steven Renders, in a piece sponsored by Roularta Printing, point out that print’s appeal lies in its curated content for readers and high-impact display opportunities for advertisers.
Carl Myers stresses that publishers must build stronger emotional connections with readers to maintain relevance in an AI-driven world. Carlos Dada warns that journalists are increasingly targeted as adversaries amid rising far-right, populist, and autocratic movements.
Dickon Ross outlines the appropriate uses of AI in journalism, such as research and transcription, but cautions against using AI for original writing. Jim Bilton sees hope in the industry’s enduring assets-trust, brand, community, editorial judgment, and first-party relationships-even as the media ecosystem faces disruption.
These insights echo findings from recent industry research, such as the latest Digital News Report, which explores what audiences value and how publishers can adapt to shifting expectations.
