Every year, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism publishes a global report on Journalism, Media, and Technology Trends and Predictions. The 2023 study includes a poll of 303 participants made in November and December 2022. The 2023 edition has some interesting findings with some implications for the printing industry as well. It should be kept in mind, however, that respondents were invited because they held senior positions in digital media or being responsible for aspects of digital or wider media strategy in traditional publishing companies. Accordingly, some bias towards digital publishing activities can be expected.

The outlook for journalistic publishing is not that pretty for 2023. The publishers surveyed are much less confident about their business prospects compared to last year’s survey. At 44%, less than half of all respondents state that they are confident about their company’s business prospects in the year ahead. In contrast, almost one in five (19%) have a negative business outlook for 2023, with the remainder being indecisive.

Publishers notice that high inflation and general insecurity are squeezing customers’ pockets. Also, what has been described as the depressing and relentless nature of the news generated in recent years continues to turn many people away. This results in news avoidance and shift of interest towards non-journalism-related activities. Adding to the concerns are lower spending from advertisers and rising costs in production.