The paywall problem no one is talking about
Future News 65
Twitter isn’t just a social media platform, it’s a search and discovery tool as well, especially for journalists. That’s why it’s surprising that a bigger thing hasn’t been made out of accessing paywalled articles off its app.
Here’s the issue: having already logged into outlets on the main Safari browser, a staple feature of the iPhone, FN and others have been consistently sent via Twitter to a new tab where you are asked for login details once again.
Sure, you can easily input those in there, but the whole exercise adds friction to the news-reading process, deterring potential readers from clicking through and scrolling down.
The good news is that the paywalled outlets are still receiving your subscription revenues, but other ad-related monies are at stake since ‘read through rate’ is a key metric for digital advertisers (that is why some publications over-use pictures alongside their copy). There seems to be a similar phenomenon with the LinkedIn and Facebook apps.
Combined, these platforms have almost three billion monthly active users. FN approached Apple, the owner of Safari, for assistance on the matter to no avail. The same can be said of Twitter.
🗳️ Election 2020
Google Trends has revealed lots of search interest about how to vote in the election, with 'ballot', 'ballot box' and 'ballot access' reaching all-time highs in October. ‘Unemployment’ has been the top search term over the past week.
US broadcasters embrace ‘caution’ as Trump plots ‘early victory declaration’.
A ‘wave of misinformation’ is hitting local election officials.
YouTube is using Fox News to combat misinformation.
The Economist has endorsed Joe Biden for President.
ITV’s election night line-up and details.
💼 Jobs and business
Barrnon Media, the owner of the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald and The Keswick Reminder, is expanding again. The seven-month-old company has bought Cumbria Crack for an undisclosed sum. The outlet will relaunch under Barrnon on Tuesday 1 December.
Press Gazette has launched its own future of news newsletter. It will be published every Thursday.
🎧 Podcasts
Unherd: Piers Morgan on why he doesn’t want to be hated anymore.
Longform: Billion Dollar Loser author Reeves Wiedeman.
🤖 Technology
Why you shouldn’t tell people to ‘Google it’.
Apple is developing its own search division.
Discord isn’t just for gamers any more.
Facebook warns of ‘perception hacking’.
📧 Contact
For high-praise, tips or gripes, please contact the editor at iansilvera@gmail.com or via @ianjsilvera. Follow on LinkedIn here.
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Illustration: Macrovector