The internet vs media business models: how can quality journalism survive?

Coffee lecture by journalist James Randerson (POLITICO/Guardian)

News used to be an easy(ish) way to make money. You had a printing press. You had a distribution network (or a TV station). Readers had to pay for your content and advertising space was scarce. So sit back, charge a premium rate for display and classified adverts and watch the Euros/Pounds/Dollars roll in.

The Internet has long since exploded that business model, but news organizations are still experimenting with how to make money from digital — and the ground keeps shifting. Who is succeeding? What is failing? And is there a future for expensive, quality journalism when so much information is freely available?

Anybody can attend the lecture: students, employees and professors from all faculties. Coffee and cake will be served.

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Dr. James Randerson is news editor at POLITICO, overseeing the publication’s Brexit coverage while commissioning and editing stories from around Europe. Previously, he worked at the Guardian for 11 years as Science Correspondent, Online Environment Editor and finally Assistant National News Editor, contributing to both print and digital editions. In 2015, he led the Keep it in the Ground climate change project which won multiple awards including Campaign of the Year at the British Journalism Awards, a One World Media award for digital media and a Webby for best use of video or moving image. James has written and edited for a variety of publications including Prospect, the San Francisco Chronicle, Wired, Nature, New Scientist and The Daily Nation (Kenya).