Newspapers are published to deliver factual news and
entertainment. They could be printed and distributed daily, weekly or monthly.
The content is written by reporters to disseminate current affairs and issues
in the society.
The serial publication is produced on inexpensive
newsprint paper or low quality bond paper. To start a newspaper business you
need serious funds and journalistic experience. The business is very
profitable, tough and challenging. Here are a few ideas on how to start a
profitable newspaper
How
to Start a Profitable Newspaper
Why
Start a Newspaper
Newspapers are very profitable business ventures. The
publication can generate its own income and you provide a public service. You
can use the publication to promote causes, build business relationships and
build credibility.
Things
to Consider
There are a few things to consider before starting your paper.
You need to focus on a niche, name for the publication and size of print.
The next step is to determine the quantity you want to
produce and distribution channels. You need to source funds, determine
advertisement price and number of staff to engage.
And the type of equipment should be given serious
consideration. To sustain the publication you need to find advertisers, use
graphic artists and distributors.
The Newspaper
Niche
The niche could be focused on a demography or topic. You
could feature recurrent issues and aim at a select audience. Choose a niche
with depth or try general news publications.
Determine
the Distribution
You need to determine the size of your publication. The
distribution size could rage from thousands of publications to millions. The
size is also dependant on the population size, geographical location, national
or local publication.
Your
workforce
The size of the publication would determine your
workforce. The paper needs journalists, editorial staff, management staff and
printing machine operators.
Others include delivery staff, drivers, and front desk
staff. Staffs include chief executive officer, editors, reporters, copy
editors, proofreaders, graphic artists.
Types
of Newspaper Publications
There are basically three types of newspapers based on
the publication. We have the daily news and weekly newspapers.
Most are general topic news publications while some focus
on specific niche. We have sports publications, health, politics, entertainment
and local news.
Daily newspapers are large publications that offer
specialized sections and sold daily. They cover general topics, international
and national news.
Weekly newspapers are published once a weekly and offer
similar content with daily publications. Local or regional newspapers are
focused on a region and are smaller than weekly or daily newspapers.
Top daily papers are the Guardian, the Punch, the Observer
and Times. The distribution process for all is usually through zoning.
Newspaper
Content
The daily newspaper predominantly features current
affairs. The publication could include politics, business, entertainment,
sports and editorials. They also feature public opinion, health, fashion and
cartoon.
More publication in newspapers is columns, reviews,
editorial cartoons and weather forecast. Others are birth notices, obituaries
and job search publications.
Funding
Large newspaper publications are usually public listed
companies. They offer shares to public to be part owners of the business. Smaller
publications could fund through partnership, angel investors, core investors or
private equity.
Source
of Income
There are two ways newspapers generate income. They make
money through newspaper sales and advertisements.
The advertisement are either classified ads or display
ads. Some generate income through subscriptions and classified advertisement.
Online newspapers use direct advertising or third party adverts.
Common advertisement sizes are full page, half page, 85mm
x 85mm, 50mm x 50mm and 85mm x 55mm. The advertisement are printed in
black/white or colored. The prices charged advertiser range from $40(N14, 400)
to $1000(N360, 000)
Design
the Paper
It is very import your newspaper has a beautiful layout.
Place the name of the publication at the top and include contact info, address
and phone number.
Include issue number, volume number, advertisement slots,
content pages and headings. Use the same front size throughout the publication.
Work on the alignment and fill spaces with pictures and infographics.
Newspaper
Format
Newspapers are printed in various sizes. Common sizes are
tabloids 380mm x 300mm, broadsheet 600mm x 380mm or midi. The quality could
rage from letterpress, offset printing or full color printing.
Editorial
Process
The newspapers are printed on low quality newsprint
paper. The type of machine could range from large automatic to semi automatic
machines.
The entire process starts with the journalist submitting
a report. The report is typed on a computer the edited and goes to the news
desk.
The news edition makes final changes and submits to
copydesk. A mockup or dummy is made with provisions for stories and
advertisement. Once the placement is approved it goes to the composing room.
Printing
The manufacturing process starts with the typesetting and
then the page layout. The next process is the image transference, plate making
then printing. Common equipment used in the process are computer, stripper, light
box, film, printing press, plate cylinders and folders.
Newspaper
Production Process
- News gathering
- Pre-press
- Press
- Lithographic stage
- impression
- Post press
How
to get Advertiser
Advertisers are the life’s blood of the newspaper
business. You need lots of them to keep your publication on the newsstands.
You need to develop a price sheet for the various sizes
of advertisement on offer. You can find advertiser by opening a dedicated desk
or sales outlets. Other ways include referrals, contact information on the
publication and direct contact with business owners.
