NSTP to be multi-platform, real-time content provider, says CEO
KUALA LUMPUR: Media conglomerate New Straits Time Press Bhd (NSTP) is transforming and strengthening itself from a newspaper-based company to a multiplatform, real-time content provider.
NSTP chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Jalil Hamid said the move was in tune with the changing landscape, where technologysavvy people were demanding news and information instantly, anywhere and anytime.
“It is critical that we transform NSTP from being a purely newspaper company to a content provider, putting out fast, reliable and accurate news to the people. We are shifting the delivery platform to additional platforms, and print will remain one of them. But, it is going to be digital first, print later,” he said, adding that the NSTP was leveraging on the accessibility and efficiency of social media, including YouTube and Facebook, to deliver the news.
Jalil took over the NSTP leadership from Datuk Mohammad Azlan Abdullah in March, while overseeing operations of three newspapers, The New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Malay language tabloid, Harian Metro.
The group has three online news websites, news apps, e-papers and five e-magazines.
Jalil said the company was focused on growing revenue from the digital sources by monetising content via subscriptions, sponsorship and advertisements.
“We are going to revolutionise the whole thing. By going digital, we are looking at not losing so much revenue from advertising and circulation (of the newspapers).”
He said the digital platform had contributed significantly to total company revenue last year.
“It is growing very fast, and more than what we had forecast in terms of value and percentage. We want to continue growing it.” Bernama