What we are reading
Take a look at some of the things we are currently reading in our newsroom that you should be aware of
Columbia Journalism Review | A busy year for AARP, America’s most-read magazine
2020 may have been a bust for some publications, but it was a boob for AARP. With a readership of over 47-million in 23.5-million American households, the bi-monthly magazine is one of the most successful publications in the world catering to readers over 50. With two editors and 85 full-time journalists, the magazine is more than a glossy magazine and has run “some serious investigations” on issues that impact its readership such as ageism in the workplace, loneliness and death, according to the Columbia Journalism Review report. When the seriousness of the Covid-19 virus became apparent, the publication knew it was in a unique position to service its readers. It jumped on this and published a series of articles informing readers about the virus, sent a team to monitor government agencies and dedicated a section of its website to covering nursing homes. The result has been a spike in readership, the CJR reports.
The Guardian Nigeria | Criticisms greet NBC’s fines on Channels, AIT
Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has come under heavy criticism for fining 3 television stations 3-million naira for what it calls “unprofessional coverage” of the #EndSARS protests as well as “the use of unverifiable social media reports”. The Guardian reports that the Nigerian Union of Journalists is calling for NBC to withdraw the fines on the basis that they were “unnecessary, discriminatory, an attempt to discourage a free, independent media”. Political parties and civil society groups said the move was yet another attempt at gagging the media and denying Nigerians’ the right to access information. “The fines represent a new low in Nigeria’s protection of freedom of expression and the ability of independent media to function in the country,” said the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.
The Daily Illini | Gaming reporters: writers explore new journalism front
Is the multi-billion dollar gaming industry the next frontier for journalism? The University of Illinois’ The Daily Illini reports that the industry is estimated to be worth over $90bn by the end of 2020 and is forecast to grow 2.29% annually for the next 4 years. “Some titles have managed to pull in more revenue than summer blockbusters. Grand Theft Auto V from 2013 made $1 billion in three days, a milestone that took ‘The Avengers’ in 2012 19 days to achieve.” The publication spoke to two gaming journalists about their journeys in the industry as well as any insights they might share.
Business Insider | How total media ad spend is poised to shake out around the world
The Business Insider reports how total advertising spend worldwide will dip this year by 4.5% to $614.03bn. “While this is slightly up from our June 2020 forecast of -4.9% growth, it’s a sharp contrast to our pre-pandemic estimate of 7.0%.” The report says that total ad spend is expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels driven by a rebound in digital ad spending. Spain, followed closely by India, is expected to be the worst-performing advertising market.
