MediaMediaRoom: NZME in money, BusinessDesk speed-datingHerald publisher NZME is debt-free and raking in the millions from digital subscribers; Plus BusinessDesk is speed-dating big media firmsComment: Listed media business NZME had a good story to tell investors at its briefing day on Thursday, confirming a $30m share buyback after succeeding in its three year plan to eradicate what was $100m in debt. NZME also reported 78,500 paying digital subscribers for its nzherald.co.nz premium paywall, up from 67,000 mid-year, bringing in $12m in annual revenues. It has targeted digital subscriber growth for nzherald.co.nz (to something like 180,000 in four years) and in its investor presentation projected that the total possible New Zealand digital subscriber market could be as high as one million. There is speculation BusinessDesk might be closed or folded into the NZ Herald offering under such a play. The question must be, is NZME, or anyone else, willing to tow BusinessDesk into the future?

Source: New Zealand Herald November 18, 2021 16:14 UTC