Some of the data are striking when compared to those of other geographic markets, at this time of heightened digital transformation that the news sector is going through. For example, the high figure of 97.7% who read the press which represents in absolute figures almost 51 million readers and, moreover, means an increase of 1.7% compared to 2015.

Another significant figure is that 53% of these readers are already “exclusively digital” and most of them are “mobile”. Smartphone (41%) is the preferred medium for reading the press compared to the computer (40%) and tablet (19%). However, those who exclusively read print versions of newspapers continue to represent a sizeable part - 47%. But French publishers have no need to fear the digital transformation. Although no exact figures are provided, the percentage of subscriptions and brand loyalty is substantial for all supports.

Maintain the product’s value; being present in schools, in order to win over young future readers; cultivate their credibility, within the ideological parameters of each editorial line. These are three lessons of the French press to inspire us.

Protecmedia has participated as a partner in the digital assimilation and transformation of the French press in the last fifteen years. Based on this experience, it extracts three conclusions that explain these good results:

From the outset most French publishers, especially of regional newspapers, have looked for monetisation and have tried to avoid the “totally free” culture as regards web content and digital channels. They have developed intelligent “anti-cannibalisation” strategies; they have provided added value to contents and services, based on payment; and they have searched for coordination platforms that defend the sector’s interests effectively. The very composition of ACPM, which published the study, is proof of the above.

With respect to the reader, the press in general has maintained its credibility and its social role of providing a benchmark, from the ideological spectrum defined in its editorial line.

There is a key cultural factor. Added to the high numbers of those reading the press is a continuous long-term policy of the press being present in the school. The newspaper is a transversal educational tool used by many teaching centres in various subject areas. In fact, worthy of note is the existence of specialist publications for young children, aimed at age segments such as 6 - 10, 10 -14 etc. This “investment” will end up bearing fruit.

See whole report (in French):
http://www.acpm.fr/Actualites/Toutes-les-actualites/Communiques-de-press...

(http://www.protecmedia.com)