To the next 40 years!

Like many other industries, print media is being empowered by technology. But also the industry is quickly being replaced by technological innovations that are affecting newspaper sales.

Print media houses are currently faced with a conundrum of trying to go digital without necessarily giving up their print editions. Many commentators and analysts have declared that the age of the printed newspaper is over. Industry wide developments including falling advertising revenues and a serious decline of circulation figures are said to signal the end of the newspaper industry. Many newspapers and magazines have closed shop, while others have shifted their full attention to digital media. Botswana Guardian – Botswana’s oldest private newspaper which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this week is also faced with this bleak future of declining newspaper sales. As newspaper sales decline, digital subscriptions are growing impressively for most newspapers signalling an opportunity for newspaper survival, Botswana Guardian included. People still read news and they still find newspapers such as ours as trusted sources of news. This is despite the advent of social media platforms. So, the newspaper will survive for another many years to come. What has changed over time are the platforms that readers use to consume the news. Botswana Guardian has joined the bandwagon and crafted strategies to use digital media as a source of competitive advantage. With a revamped website the newspaper is exploring among others the latest media trends and practical approaches to harness revenue from digital. One thing is unavoidable for many if not all print newspapers - investing in digital media. Botswana Guardian was first published in October 1982, becoming the country’s first commercial newspaper. In the past the newspaper has distinguished itself as a leading political and investigative brand of choice through its exposés and in- depth reporting. As a leading brand, the paper had to be innovative in order to retain leadership of the market, and in 2010 a deliberate decision was made by the Board to have the newspaper business inclined. At the time a gap existed for a business- oriented publication, with most competitors mainly focusing on politics and general news. As we celebrate 40 years of existence, this is a time to take stock of where we have come from, and what the future holds for us. With the circulation of print continuing to drop thereby pushing businesses into digital, some newspapers try to do both ( print and digital), others - are forced to lower costs and go only digital. We are doing both. To our stakeholders, we say thank you for the continued support over the years. To the next 40 years!