Publishing
Description
Companies in this industry publish newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, books, directories, and mailing lists, as well as items such as calendars, greeting cards, and maps. Major companies include Advance Publications, Hallmark, Hearst, and News Corp (all based in the US), as well as Axel Springer (Germany), Pearson and RELX Group (both based in the UK), Thomson Reuters (Canada), and Wolters Kluwer (Netherlands).
The books and publishing industry includes the newspaper and magazine, book publishing, and digital publishing segments. The global newspaper publishing market is expected to increase by over $4 billion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.1% between 2024 and 2029, according to Technavio. The newspaper and magazine segments are experiencing contraction as circulation falls, thanks in part to the increasing accessibility of free content online. The digital publishing industry in China is booming, driven by the increasing internet and mobile app economy.
The US publishing industry includes about 16,500 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $90 billion.
Book publishers, newspaper publishers, magazine publishers, and directory and mailing list publishers are included in this industry and further discussed in separate industry profiles. Internet publishing, which is not included in this industry, is covered in a separate profile.
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Demand for books, magazines, and greeting cards is driven by consumer income, while demand for newspapers and directories is related to local population growth and local ad spending. The profitability of individual companies depends on marketing expertise, efficient operations, and new customers. Large companies benefit from the ability to share resources across multiple content outlets. Small companies can compete effectively by specializing in niche topics and markets. The US publishing industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 60% of revenue.
The publishing market has become highly competitive due to the proliferation of digital content. New technology enables low barriers to entry, resulting in the emergence of smaller content providers that can reach large audiences over the internet, through apps, or via self-publishing services. To remain competitive, companies must invest in designing innovative new products, expanding existing products, and acquiring new players.
Publishers compete with local and national rivals for readership and advertising; they also compete with other media, such as local broadcast stations, national cable and broadcast networks, and online distributors, many of which offer content for free.
PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
In the US, advertising space in printed publications account for about 25%, followed by general newspapers for about 15%. Periodicals, professional and scholarly books, and textbooks each account for about 10%. Other items account for about 30%.
Published works are characterized by the intellectual creativity required in their development and are usually protected by copyright. Publishers distribute or arrange for the distribution of these works. Publishing firms may create the works in-house, or contract for purchase, or compile works that were originally created by others. Companies may print, reproduce, or offer direct access to the works themselves, or may arrange with others to carry out such functions.
Newspaper and magazine revenue primarily comes from a mix of advertising and subscription sales. Single issue newsstand sales are generally reported as a component of subscription revenues. Advertising rates are based on circulation and audience. Extensive research defines reader demographics by criteria such as age, sex, income, education, location, and interests so that publishers can offer advertisers a highly qualified audience. Advertising sales have declined in recent years; however, it can account for up to half of a publication's revenue, followed by circulation and subscription.
Most publishing companies have an editorial staff that prepares content and a business staff that handles promotion, production, circulation, and advertisement sales. Greeting card companies employ artists, writers, editors, Web designers, and photographers.
The books and publishing industry includes the newspaper and magazine, book publishing, and digital publishing segments. The global newspaper publishing market is expected to increase by over $4 billion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.1% between 2024 and 2029, according to Technavio. The newspaper and magazine segments are experiencing contraction as circulation falls, thanks in part to the increasing accessibility of free content online. The digital publishing industry in China is booming, driven by the increasing internet and mobile app economy.
The US publishing industry includes about 16,500 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $90 billion.
Book publishers, newspaper publishers, magazine publishers, and directory and mailing list publishers are included in this industry and further discussed in separate industry profiles. Internet publishing, which is not included in this industry, is covered in a separate profile.
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Demand for books, magazines, and greeting cards is driven by consumer income, while demand for newspapers and directories is related to local population growth and local ad spending. The profitability of individual companies depends on marketing expertise, efficient operations, and new customers. Large companies benefit from the ability to share resources across multiple content outlets. Small companies can compete effectively by specializing in niche topics and markets. The US publishing industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 60% of revenue.
The publishing market has become highly competitive due to the proliferation of digital content. New technology enables low barriers to entry, resulting in the emergence of smaller content providers that can reach large audiences over the internet, through apps, or via self-publishing services. To remain competitive, companies must invest in designing innovative new products, expanding existing products, and acquiring new players.
Publishers compete with local and national rivals for readership and advertising; they also compete with other media, such as local broadcast stations, national cable and broadcast networks, and online distributors, many of which offer content for free.
PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
In the US, advertising space in printed publications account for about 25%, followed by general newspapers for about 15%. Periodicals, professional and scholarly books, and textbooks each account for about 10%. Other items account for about 30%.
Published works are characterized by the intellectual creativity required in their development and are usually protected by copyright. Publishers distribute or arrange for the distribution of these works. Publishing firms may create the works in-house, or contract for purchase, or compile works that were originally created by others. Companies may print, reproduce, or offer direct access to the works themselves, or may arrange with others to carry out such functions.
Newspaper and magazine revenue primarily comes from a mix of advertising and subscription sales. Single issue newsstand sales are generally reported as a component of subscription revenues. Advertising rates are based on circulation and audience. Extensive research defines reader demographics by criteria such as age, sex, income, education, location, and interests so that publishers can offer advertisers a highly qualified audience. Advertising sales have declined in recent years; however, it can account for up to half of a publication's revenue, followed by circulation and subscription.
Most publishing companies have an editorial staff that prepares content and a business staff that handles promotion, production, circulation, and advertisement sales. Greeting card companies employ artists, writers, editors, Web designers, and photographers.
Table of Contents
- Industry Overview
- Quarterly Industry Update
- Business Challenges
- Business Trends
- Industry Opportunities
- Call Preparation Questions
- Financial Information
- Industry Forecast
- Web Links and Acronyms
Search Inside Report
Pricing
Currency Rates
Questions or Comments?
Our team has the ability to search within reports to verify it suits your needs. We can also help maximize your budget by finding sections of reports you can purchase.