Business models and sustainability in the newspaper industry: Perspectives from European and North American executives.

This article examines the sustainability of media business models amid digital transformation, focusing on how newspaper companies in North America and Europe adapt their management practices to remain competitive. Through interviews with executives from six prominent newspapers—three from North America (McClatchy, New York Times, Globe and Mail) and three from Europe (Independent, Financial Times, Le Parisien)—the study finds that North American companies demonstrate greater adaptation to digital revenue models, often combining digital and traditional sources, whereas European companies rely more heavily on traditional print revenues and public funding. Both regions face ongoing challenges in diversifying income streams, managing digital transitions, and securing sustainable financing, with digital advertising and subscriptions growing but not fully compensating for declines in print. The article highlights the critical role of innovation, convergence in technology, media, and telecommunications sectors, and strategic management in navigating these shifts, while noting that findings are limited to the six companies studied and suggesting further research with broader samples.