The digital shift of news publishing is well and truly established – for the benefit of readers and advertisers alike

Published Mediaweek

Rupert Murdoch’s comment last week that printed newspapers have a shelf life of 15 years seems to have sent the commentators racing. But it’s hardly breaking news for those in the industry.

Sure, there’s been a steady decline in print readership for some time. But it’s gradual and offset by the rise in digital news access.

Roy Morgan Total News readership data shows 97% of readers currently access news via digital channels, yet more than half (56%) also still read printed news at least once a month.

While the University of Canberra Digital News Report showed there was a steady decline in printed newspaper audiences over the last three years, it also confirmed a combined greater increase in those who source their news online and via social media.