Trends and Topics in Print Media

Every Monday morning, a team of Access media mavens gathers to read the latest trends and topics covered in print media (yes, we still read print media!). The team shares these insights agency wide to ensure we’re all informed and equipped for the week ahead. Every week, we’ll share learnings from the consumer, business and tech spaces here on the Access Point.

This week, we learned why 5G is actually a big deal and, to no one’s surprise, the media landscape is still changing at a rapid pace.

• By now you may have heard: 5G is the next big thing! What does that actually mean? (Bob O’Donnell, USA Today):
  • 5G, like any other cellular network, uses “analog radio signals at various frequencies to transmit data and voice signals from cell towers or other transmitters to your…wireless connected device.” Modems, which are built into devices, receive the signal, and converts it into digital form. Context: Modems are “essential” for smart phones to function, which is why it’s a big deal that Apple just purchased Intel’s 5G modem business.
  • 5G frequencies are higher than those in 3G and 4G networks, which means they don’t travel as far. This matters because data can be transferred at faster rates when the frequency is higher, though not all devices can support all frequencies. 5G networks use two new groups of frequencies. Context: The recent merger between T-Mobile and Sprint will allow the companies to have access to a larger range of 5G frequencies, which previously put them at a disadvantage when they operated individually.
  • Why does 5G matter? For starters, it’ll make downloading Netflix onto your phone way faster. From a brand perspective, the ability to decrease delays will have a significant impact on “cloud-based gaming applications.” The new concept, “network slices,” will allow companies and individuals to have their own portion of bandwidth in order to run web-based applications more smoothly.
  • Do you need a 5G device ASAP? Not exactly. There’s still research and advancements happening on the daily, so you may want to put that purchase on hold until second-generation devices are tested and released.
• GateHouse and Gannett Combine in $1.4 Billion Deal

In yet another effort to combat the economic struggles interrupting the media industry, the two largest U.S. newspapers by titles announced they will join forces. As tech giants like Google and Facebook dominate digital advertising, and print advertising revenue continues to tumble, publishing houses are testing new ways to keep local publications afloat. Since 2004, more than 2,100 newspapers have closed, with layoffs following, and reporters are skeptical that this merger will do any good. Cara Lombardo and Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg of The New York Times said “the deal will give a towering role in the local news industry to a private-equity-backed entity, underscoring the rise in the industry of financial investors who have been relentless about cutting costs.” So, yeah, they’re not too optimistic. The harsh reality is, the future of the media is a great big question mark (Cara Lombardo and Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg, The New York Times).