Our new report, “Navigating sustained newsroom transformation,” presents case studies of news publishers who made significant headway with their digital- and audiences-first initiatives, building stronger relationships with their readers and creating momentum for long-term change.
The report is based on the 2024 round of Table Stakes Europe, a WAN-IFRA programme in partnership with the Google News Initiative, in which 18 news publishers worked on specific change management initiatives to address key challenges in their digital transformation journeys.
The report is now available to download for free in English, French, German and Spanish.
Download the report in your preferred language HERE.
The case studies in the report are organised around two main themes:
- The first part of the report shares stories from TSE alumni who returned to the programme to build renewed focus and launch initiatives that helped them maintain the momentum of change. Their case studies provide insights into how transformation can become an ongoing process.
- The report also includes stories of publishers who identified specific audiences to focus on, enabling them to better engage audience groups such as young female readers, professionals, people interested in a major local employer, and B2B audiences.
The case studies from the report, and many more, are also featured in the TSE Best Practice Showcase, an online resource that highlights various topics around digital transformation and audience-focused workflows. The Best Practice Showcase is available in English, French, German and Spanish and is searchable by geography, theme, or news product type.
One of the companies featured in the new report is ARA, a publisher based in Barcelona, Spain, which participated in Table Stakes Europe for the second time to build on its previous audience-focused work. During its second round in TSE, the publisher launched a website focused on housing in Barcelona.
“The Table Stakes methodology has provided us with tools that have made it much easier to talk to stakeholders and people involved in the production process in an effective, simple and fast way,” said Anna Cuyàs, Growth & Product Lead at ARA.
“On both occasions we have participated in TSE, the Design-Do mentality has helped us successfully execute key elements for a positive evolution towards a production that helps us combine editorial instinct with production for specific audiences,” she said.
Gremi Media, a leading media group in Poland and another participant in the 2024 TSE round, joined the programme to work on an audience strategy aimed at identifying, segmenting, and serving specific audiences, starting with a focus on professionals, executives and small business owners.
“The Table Stakes Europe project allows you to break out of your daily routine and take a new look at your business and the content you publish. The methods proposed by the coaches are perfectly in line with our current ambitions and plans,” said Marzena Tabor-Olszewska, Head of the Online Department at Gremi Media.
The TSE Best Practice Showcase allows users to search different topics or the location of former TSE participants. It is available in English, French, German and Spanish and will be updated regularly with new experiences and case studies from participants.
ABOUT TABLE STAKES EUROPE
The Table Stakes Europe programme teaches change management skills to people working in news organisations. Participants in Table Stakes Europe undertake specific — and significant — change management initiatives, including diversifying their revenue streams, embracing new digital platforms and expanding the audiences they serve.
