Convergence in Russian Daily Press: Economic Effects and Perspectives

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Andrei V. Vyrkovsky

PhD in Philology, Associate Professor at the Chair of Media Theory and Economics, Faculty of Journalism, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

e-mail: a.v.vyrkovsky@gmail.com
Mikhail I. Makeenko

PhD in Philology, Associate Professor at the Chair of Media Theory and Economics, Faculty of Journalism, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

e-mail: makeenko.mikhail@smi.msu.ru

Section: Media Economics

The article contains conclusions and analysis of data collected during first stage of studying of influence of convergence on economics, financial performance and management of Russian daily newspapers. Results revealed that contribution from convergent, mostly online products and services to revenues and profits of the daily press remains evidently minimal. Income from convergent projects still is not enough and won’t be enough in near perspective to let dailies establish internet newsgathering operations as independent enterprises or cease print versions as a cost cutting measure. However there is apparent distinction in the level of economic return from convergence between two clusters of publications — those from two capitals (Moscow and Saint-Petersurg) and regional dailies.

Keywords: convergence, daily newspaper, press economics, investments, profit