How the AP is using newsletters to deepen its relationship with readers PLUS How the NYTimes is using acquisitions to achieve its subscriber growth targets

The Associated Press explains the strategy behind its focus on newsletter at What's New in Publishing. Their focus on relationships and adding first-party data seems consistent with the strategies being used across the industry. One interesting change they announced is their shift from programmatic advertising to direct sales for their newspaper products. The shine has definitely come off programmatic in the last couple of years, and apart from remnant advertising, there isn't a lot of value apart for a large swath of publishers apart from a handful who operate volume-based businesses.

And in newsletter news, Apple is getting into the game, testing the waters with an aggregated newsletter using Bay Area news sources including the SF Chronicle and public broadcaster KQED.

The New York Times has started the year with a roar with two buzzy acquisitions. The first acquisition, The Athletic, has allowed them to reach their goal of 10m paying subscribers, and the second acquisition, Wordle, can feel like buying a trendy app but is really about broadening a games-based subscriber expansion and retention game. Successful businesses can make bold moves like this.

PLUS Buzzfeed reins in hiring as IPO fades. Complex's research arm becomes a seven-figure money-spinner. Alphabet (Google's parent company) sees revenue surge on the basis of strong advertising performance. A great look at Tumblr for all of you digital culture wonks.

“Newsletter’s barrier to entry, reach and engagement is not just a nice to have, it’s essential.” Several major market forces have brought newsletters to the forefront of our strategy. As a not-for-profit, we’re focused on objectivity, truth and relevance for our audience. While our core values won’t change, the world is changing, and The AP …

The deal for the sports site, which was finalized on Tuesday, helped the company reach that goal a couple of years early.

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Apple News is introducing its first daily local newsletter for the Bay Area and is actively exploring expanding the offering to other cities. The Bay Area daily local newsletter, which is reminiscent of a daily local paper, includes top stories across local news, sports, politics, dining and more. The stories are compiled from numerous publications, […]

BuzzFeed is under pressure to preserve cash following a high level of redemptions from SPAC investors.

Last year, Complex Collective doubled its number of clients from six to 12 brands, including Banana Republic, the CDC and The Advisory Council.

The soft, sad freaks on an unprofitable website claimed victory in the battle for the internet’s soul and defined the worldview of a generation.