World Press Trends 2026-27: Have your say on news industry trends, threats and opportunities

WAN-IFRA is gathering data on the financial survival and technological evolution of global newsrooms through its newly launched World Press Trends 2026-27 survey.

Mapping Revenue Diversification and Cost Shifts

The survey targets newsrooms worldwide to pinpoint shifting operational workflows and financial strategies. WAN-IFRA is specifically examining how publishers are diversifying income streams to ensure long-term stability, with a heavy focus on cost allocations and strategic forecasts.

This effort builds on previous research. A prior study, “World Press Trends Outlook: Rising ‘three-pillar’ revenue model fuels industry optimism,” previously analyzed the industry’s transition toward more varied funding sources.

The Integration of Artificial Intelligence

AI is a primary driver of the 2026-27 inquiry. The organization is asking publishers for granular details on how the technology is being deployed across three key areas: newsroom workflows, monetization strategies, and search discovery processes.

Press Freedom and Systemic Industry Risks

The research extends beyond the balance sheet. WAN-IFRA stated the survey explores systemic challenges, including threats to press freedom and the impact of climate change. It also examines the shifting, often tense, dynamics between news creators and the tech platforms that distribute their work.

Participation and Data Privacy

To ensure global representation, the survey is available in English, French, German, and Spanish. All data is collected anonymously, and WAN-IFRA noted that results will be reported only in the aggregate.

Dean Roper, Director of Insights and Editor-in-Chief at WAN-IFRA, is the designated contact for the survey. Inquiries can be directed to him via email at dean.roper@wan-ifra.org.