A survey of publishers by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) has revealed that they believe a quarter of all magazines and newspapers will only be available in digital form within the next five years. However whilst this is forecasted, 55per cent had no interest in developing a strategic digital market for their publication, instead opting to move into the mobile sector.
The ABC survey found that up to 80per cent of publishers believed that mobile technology would be the important factor in future information sources, and that over the next three years e-books, mobile phones devices and MIDs would become the primary source of magazine and newspaper content.
Revealing data on current developments, the survey also showed that more than 50per cent of publishers had currently factored in smartphone application development into their future business plans. Those that were already working on a specific application resulted in 17per cent of those surveyed, whilst almost 70per cent of those who were asked said that their publication was focussing more on the mobile market than it was in previous years.
In addition to the changing trends regarding development of applications for the mobile market, publishers also revealed that they are beginning to explore various options of profit making within the sector. Over 50per cent believed that funding could be made from subscriptions and advertising, whilst the mobile market causing significant changes within the industry was expected by a third of individuals surveyed.
However, whilst many admitted that the future of the news industry was gearing towards the mobile platform, two thirds said that plans to break into the future mobile market were not well developed.
