A recent study by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants finds cause for optimism for the print newspaper industry. The study foresees the future growth of print media, but urges imminent action in order to ensure its survival.

According to Alexander Mogg, a partner in Roland Berger's InfoCom Competence Center, the time for action is now.

"With so many operational optimizations already successfully implemented, what needs to be done now is to set the strategic course for the next five to ten years," Mogg says.

For him, the future for newspapers is by becoming increasingly targeted and focusing on areas of strength (see a similar argument by Jim VandeHei and the Politico).

"Magazines and newspapers will only be able to achieve lasting success in multimedia competition if they really know their target groups and focus on the inherent strengths of print publications. We see growth potential in the premium reader segment and in other niches."

The study presents nine scenarios for the future of the newspaper and includes some strategies for success. Among the strategies:

    -- Frequent, thorough market research, in order to identify trends within readerships: "Print        media can only successfully compete with other media if they are clearly positioned,"            according to Roland Berger's website.

    --"In multimedia competition, print media will have to focus on their inherent strengths -            beyond quality, these include providing readers with an individual experience and the            deliberate choice to set aside quality time in their busy schedules."

    --Filling niche markets: "The mass market has been fully distributed, but niches still hold           growth potential."

    --Brand investments (this also includes "training" younger generations to adjust to print           media.): "Brand investments are generally worthwhile, because a strong brand is                   becoming more and more important in an increasingly fragmented media landscape."

View the full list by clicking the link below.

Source: RolandBerger.com through IFRA Executive News Service