Inspired tactics: A news subscription series – Part 2, Tech turns readers into subscribers

In this second part of a four-part series on news subscriptions, guest writer Bihag Karnani looks at what occurs before the conversion; the moment when a reader decides if he/she will pay. “News media organisations treat the paywall as a barrier,” he writes. “Technology companies treat the paywall as an evaluation mechanism. Do we request payment? At what point? How much?” This article looks at these questions and more.

Tribute to Fred Burkhardt, former IFRA CEO

The news media industry recently lost one of its pioneers with the passing of Dr. Friedrich W. Burkhardt on 19 June, 2026. He was 97. As Managing Director of IFRA from 1972 to 1994, he guided the association and the international newspaper community through one of the most profound technological transitions in its history.

He’s found 15,000+ fake AI news sites. Here’s what you need to know…

French investigative journalist and educator Jean-Marc Manach has spent two years tracking AI-generated ‘news’ sites and has identified more than 15,000 of them – some earning millions of dollars by gaming Google Discover. He explains how to spot them, and why the industry should be worried.

Spain’s SPORT explores new forms of AI assistance for print production

As newsrooms adopt digital-first workflows, Spanish news outlet SPORT is exploring how AI can help organise and adapt content for print without compromising editorial judgement or the publication’s identity.

WAN-IFRA appoints Ezra Eeman as Director, AI in Media

Frankfurt, Germany – WAN-IFRA has appointed Ezra Eeman as Director, AI in Media, reinforcing its commitment to helping news publishers worldwide harness the opportunities of artificial intelligence while navigating the profound changes it is bringing to journalism and the media business.

From visibility to viability: Lessons from the Samir Kassir Foundation’s approach to media sustainability

One year after the launch of BRAVE Media to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of independent journalism worldwide, the initiative’s peer-learning webinars, organised by WAN-IFRA, have highlighted practical solutions to today’s media challenges. A recent webinar featured the Samir Kassir Foundation’s innovative approaches to helping independent media diversify revenue and build long-term sustainability.

New WAN-IFRA report provides roadmap for managing emissions in newspaper printing

Developed in line with international climate frameworks, the report helps newspaper printing facilities understand, measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions.

Vestiges of press freedom in Uganda finally disappear down the drain

On 28th June, 2026, Ugandans woke up to a barrage of social media posts on General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s X handle, most of them alluding to Uganda’s media and press freedom – his unbelief in it – and the closure of the biggest independent media house, Nation Media Group (NMG).

Signature journalism, strong brands, higher customer value: Mediahuis’s playbook for growth

Taking a pro-active stance to some of today’s biggest challenges, Europe’s Mediahuis has developed a three-pronged approach that builds on their traditional strengths.

World’s press condemns media shutdowns in Uganda

In the face of a military crackdown targeting independent media, WAN-IFRA has called on the government of Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, to honour constitutional guarantees and international standards protecting media freedom and the safety of journalists.