Aside from the flurry of activity in news media, the publishing industry exhibited some pivotal changes and shifts in a year of growth, acquisitions, shutdowns, and new directions.

As we head into the New Year, here’s our list of top trending publishers and topics for 2019!

Apple
Apple News+ has been making headlines since its release and few were positive. In addition to the ongoing battle regarding privacy issues, Apple’s annual (and much anticipated) list of announcements included the end of iTunes, a new iPad OS and more.

Atlantic
Under the guidance of new owner Laurene Powell Jobs, The Atlantic has had a very productive year. A dramatic redesign, a new subscriber-only app, acquisitions, and a new offering through the Amazon Echo, show the publication in a positive uptick.

Condé Nast
Even with the announcement of new global leadership, pieces of Condé Nast seem to be falling away, one piece at a time. Many of the news stories this year were of their publications being sold off, leaving us to wonder what will become of the publishing “giant”.

Facebook
The platform’s News tab made major headlines this year and the back and forth between Facebook and publishers continues. Privacy pivots, hiding like counts, and stories of settlement payments this year round out some of their top stories.

Gannett
The takeover of Gannett by GateHouse was a major story for several months. However, amidst the many articles regarding the merger was a positive announcement that Gannett launched an image service offering their original images to paying customers.

Google
The battles between publishers and Google rage on. Much of what has been reported is indicative of the influence, good and bad, Google has on publishers’ bottom line. Stories reveal how moves made by Google, from ad blockers to changes to Google’s search feature, have affected publishers’ revenue streams.

Hearst
As other publishers made news for making cuts to their business, Hearst appears to have ramped up. New magazines, apps, and several other additions to their core business are in the works.

Instagram
The past year has seen Instagram become a greater force in the social media world, especially with the help of some major publishing companies. Additionally, new features have given the platform a more solid footing.

Meredith
Most of the news was either good or very bad for Meredith this year. Stories reported the addition of new TV shows and magazines, strong circulation numbers, and a push to create content for women and millenial moms. On the flip side there were stories of the selling and closing of iconic magazine titles and trouble with management.

NY Times
As many of the country’s newspapers shutter their titles, The New York Times has found ways to bolster their business. Paywalls and digital products have produced returns that have met, and have at times exceeded, their projected goals.

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Posted by: Monica Murphy

Monica Murphy
Monica Murphy has worked in the publishing industry for over 30 years supporting publishing operations of various sizes. In her role as Technical Product Manager for Technology for Publishing, she shares her publishing application expertise supporting a broad range of publishing clients in InDesign best practices, cross-platform content workflows, and InDesign Template strategies. Her weekly tip and blog posts have a committed following in the InDesign community, and as a long-time participant in the InDesign pre-release community, she regularly analyzes and provides feedback for upcoming features. Monica manages the authoring and publication of Technology for Publishing’s handbooks on InDesign, InCopy, and other associated titles.
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