Financing the Front Page: Profitable Models for Journalism
Open Access
Author:
Delaney, John Joseph
Area of Honors:
Interdisciplinary in Finance and Journalism
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Russell Edgar Eshleman Jr., Thesis Supervisor Dr. Brian Spangler Davis, Thesis Honors Advisor Ford Risley, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Journalism nonprofits finance media news newspapers
Abstract:
Traditional journalism has struggled to keep up with the expansion of digital-first platforms. Many outlets find it difficult to convince subscribers to continue paying for news that can often be found for free elsewhere. This study compares the financial performance of 36 media organizations. There are four peer groups: local, state/regional and national nonprofits, as well as public companies such as the New York Times and Gannett Company. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the performance among these four groups and assess the financial viability of a nonprofit model.
While nonprofit media organizations are not absolved from the difficulties of the industry, this study suggests that such structures offer news outlets a longer leash to devote resources to quality journalism.
