While Apple News+ continues to disappoint publishers who were expecting a huge bump in subscription revenue, the platform is extending the publications’ reach to new subscribers.
Over the first nine months of the service’s existence, there have been numerous reports of publishers being unhappy with the revenue they’re seeing. A new report from Digiday contains much the same information, but does indicate publications are happy with their expanded subscriber base.
One unidentified magazine executive told Digiday “We’re happy to be on there because it’s another way to increase subscription revenue, but not like it’s a huge boon for our business or anything like that. It’s not really relevant.”
That particular executive’s publication is said to be receiving $20,000 per month, and says it isn’t enough. However, the bump in subscription numbers is apparently sufficient that it is interested in renewing its Apple News+ agreement.
Another publisher, Essence, says it is “encouraged” by how much it has increased subscriptions since joining. The publication says Apple News+ has also been beneficial in helping grow its audience outside of the United States.
An unnamed publisher says Apple’s overall control over the platform is an issue, specifically as it’s related to Apple’s ability to serve advertising with third-party ad tracking. Publishers would also like to see a way to encourage Apple News+ customers to subscriber directly. However, that isn’t likely to happen anytime in the near future.
Notable names in the publishing business, like Conde Nast are still waiting for significant income from Apple News+ to begin rolling in. Back in November, Conde Nast CEO Roger Lynch complained that while the publications saw an initial burst of new subscribers, interest failed to continue.
(Via AppleInsider)
