Global Newsroom Trends: WAN-IFRA Launches 2025 Industry Survey

The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) has opened its World Press Trends survey, seeking data from media organizations globally to track shifts in revenue streams, cost allocations, and the integration of artificial intelligence in newsroom workflows, monetisation, and search discovery. The survey focuses on how publishers are adapting to search discovery changes, evolving relationships with technology platforms, and press freedom threats.

Tracking Financial Shifts and Revenue Streams

The survey collects data on how media companies allocate costs and prioritize financial and strategic forecasts. According to WAN-IFRA, the initiative builds on last year’s report, “World Press Trends Outlook: Rising ‘three-pillar’ revenue model fuels industry optimism”. By analyzing cost allocations and strategic forecasts, the association intends to provide a clearer picture of how news organizations operate.

Artificial Intelligence in Newsroom Workflows

A central component of the research is the adoption of artificial intelligence. WAN-IFRA is gathering specific insights into how newsrooms use AI across workflows, monetisation, and search discovery.

Press Freedom and Industry Challenges

Beyond fiscal metrics, the study addresses the broader environment in which journalists operate. The questionnaire includes sections on the impact of climate change and press freedom threats. By aggregating these findings, the organization seeks to provide a look at the non-financial obstacles hindering news organizations. Interested participants can access the survey through the official WAN-IFRA portal, where they may choose their preferred language for submission.

Participation and Data Transparency

All data collected through the initiative is anonymized and reported only in the aggregate. Dean Roper, Director of Insights & Editor-in-Chief at WAN-IFRA, oversees the collection process. Participants who provide their contact information at the conclusion of the survey will receive an initial slide deck of results in September, followed by the full report scheduled for release in January 2027. For inquiries, the organization directs professional contacts to reach out via dean.roper@wan-ifra.org.

Key Industry Focus Areas

• Revenue Strategy: Analysis of revenue streams driving publishers’ strategies.
• AI Integration: Mapping the deployment of AI in newsroom workflows, monetisation, and search discovery.
• Market Stability: Assessing cost allocations and strategic forecasts.
• Global Press Freedom: Tracking press freedom threats.