Summary

Was it due to doubts concerning the continuation of the economic recovery in the U.S.A., or the Internet and World Wide Web that-are causing many a great deal of anxiety, the paper prices, the proximity to DRUPA, or an absence of perception of the attractions offered by Atlanta? Whatever the reason, the gigantic, though pleasantly functional venue of the congress and exhibition centre of the host city could well have catered to many more visitors to NEXPO’95. However, when approached by the authors of this report, the exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the results of this annual event of the Newspaper Association of America. All expected decision-makers from the publishing companies attended, they reported, and lively discussions were held that hold forth promise of business transactions in the near future. Well, they should know. But the trials and tribulations of recent years are still obviously having an effect on the U.S. newspaper community, both in the newspaper houses and among their suppliers. Everywhere the aim is to buy only what is absolutely necessary to satsify the short- term requirements, or to produce as economically efficiently as possible. This explains why the printing sector continues to be very cautious with its investments, whereas financial resources are being made more readily available for equipment to cater to the latest trends in the inserting business or for productivity-enhancing systems. For their part, the suppliers are making every effort to reduce development, production, and distribution costs as far as possible. This resulted in several spectacular merger announcements during NEXPO. Whether all this will turn out to be for the best of the newspaper industry? In this case, it is the business of the newspaper industry to know. One thing is certain: The newspaper industry continues to exist, despite the gloomy predictions of Ted Turner made at the same venue exactly ten years ago. The founder of CNN, on that occasion invited by the NAA to present his views concerning the future of the media, spoke his mind about the newspaper before the assembled NEXPO participants in a sober address, possibly in the same way as he instructs his American Football team. His comments culminated in the reckless forecast that daily newspapers would no longer exist in ten years. He should have known better. In fact, NEXPO’95 has proven, as will IFRA95, that the newspaper, due to its unique advantages corncared to all other alternatives, will maintain its position as a source of information, dvertising carrier, and print medium. Moreover, it remain profitable. At least its comfiunity of faithful suppliers, who continue to offer increasingly sophisticated solutions for its production and organisational,problems, know this.