News Publishers Reimagine Strategies for Trump's Second Term

Shifting Schedules and Enhanced Social Monitoring

Media organizations are adapting their schedules to align with Trump's late-night social media activity. Head editors will be deployed during these crucial hours to ensure timely and informed coverage.

Lifestyle Focus: Soft News for Hard Times

Newsweek, HuffPost, and The Independent are strategically shifting towards lifestyle-focused content in 2025. They recognize that readers crave a mix of information and escapism, especially amid a potentially divisive political landscape.

Boosting Interactivity and Community Engagement

Newsweek and HuffPost are doubling down on reader engagement through comments, polls, and Q&A sessions. This strategy fosters a sense of connection and increases the value of publishers' first-party data.

"The general feeling in market is a news site that solely exists around a breaking news desk is not going to be able to continue to create long-term renewable [direct] advertising partnerships."—Blair Tapper, SVP for The Independent US

Industry Outlook: Impact on Newsrooms

While a Trump presidency could lead to increased readership and revenue, it also poses challenges for reporters. Publishers must prioritize their journalists' well-being and prevent burnout.

TikTok Ban: Publishers Unmoved

Despite the impending ban on TikTok, publishing executives remain unperturbed. They believe that audiences and advertisers will migrate to alternative platforms, and they are confident in their ability to adapt.