In Atlanta, the push for digital subscriptions hasn't taken off as much as hoped

"For American newspapers, the past decade-plus has been all about seeking digital subscribers. The print business is shot. Digital advertising is shot. And while not everyone can be The New York Times - now the proud provider of 13 million subscriptions - even most local and regional newspapers have made digital subs Priority No. 1."

"America's largest chain USA Today Co. (née Gannett) has seen total subscriber count decline 28% in the past year (even as digital subscription revenue has increased thanks to less discounting). And today's leadership change at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution - which has been one of the biggest talkers about the importance of digital subs - shows the strains as well."

"In taking the reins of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Morse set an ambitious goal: to grow the number of digital subscribers from 53,000 to a half-million by the end of 2026. He laid out a new strategy, with new content and an infusion of new energy. The paper abandoned print at the end of last year to go all-in on digital innovation. The plan so far has achieved modest results: 101,000 digital subscribers."

"Morse acknowledges falling short, but says the paper ultimately will reach what he calls its "North Star." Morse won't be there when it happens. After nearly three and a half years, he says it's time for him to step aside. Morse had previously led an earlier Atlanta-tied digital subscription disappointment: the short-lived and ill-fated CNN+, which lasted all of 32 days in 2022."

American newspapers have focused on gaining digital subscribers as print and digital advertising revenue have weakened. The New York Times has grown to 13 million subscriptions, but other publishers have struggled. USA Today Co. has seen total subscriber counts fall 28% over the past year, even while digital subscription revenue increased due to reduced discounting. Leadership changes at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reflect ongoing strain. Andrew Morse launched a $150 million plan to grow digital subscribers from 53,000 to 500,000 by the end of 2026, ending print to focus on digital innovation. Results reached 101,000 digital subscribers, and Morse stepped aside after acknowledging the shortfall.

Read at Nieman Lab