In the media industry, it is vital to keep up to date with the trending topics and stories to ensure that you are always one step ahead of your competition.

And reflecting on the topics that made it big this year will help prepare you for what the industry has in store for 2020.

Here are the top five media stories of 2019:

1. 10 South African women in the media you should definitely know about

While many of the incredible women on this list are well known, some of them are unsung heroes that should be household names.
It is no secret that men have dominated the media industry for a very long time. And, although, the media industry is changing, and we see more women being present, we still have a long way to go.

media update made a list of 10 incredible women in the South African media industry that you should know about.


2. Positive news for publishers: The media subscription model actually works

In the wake of the fake news crisis, consumers started to realise that just because digital news was free didn’t mean it was real (or well-written, for that matter).
Publishers have seen a huge decline in their ad sales these past few years, leading to journalists losing their jobs and sending the media industry into a frenzy.

Luckily, big publishers such as The Guardian and The New York Times have shown us all how it’s done with subscriptions.

media update provides you with a two-minute video, where we talk about the positive news for publishers.

. Print versus digital: Print becomes ‘premium’

Print, when used correctly, can be the vehicle that allows brands to reach out to — and personally communicate with — audiences.
Countless people in many different industries have been saying that print will eventually die out. But, over time, brands have started to see the value print can bring to their business.

media update talks about how print has become a premium offering and how brands can use this to their advantage.


4. The top five streaming services in South Africa

Streaming services come in all shapes and sizes, but it is important to understand what you are paying for and what you will get in return.
There are countless streaming services available to users, and with having that many options, there will definitely be a few South African favourites.

media update talks about the top five streaming services in South Africa and why people enjoy these platforms specifically.


5. Meet Siyavuya Mzantsi — the first black editor at the Cape Times

My goal is to make this great publication accessible to all communities — black, coloured and white, young and old in rural and urban areas.
The Cape Times has been in existence for 143 years, and it was only this year that it appointed its first ever black editor. Siyavuya Mzantsi took on this role at the age of only 26; this not only makes him the first black editor of the publication — but also the youngest in the Independent Media group.

In a media update Q&A with Mzantsi, we reveal where the media industry is heading and how it can keep an eye out for young talented black youth.



What are some of the other media stories that you enjoyed reading this year? Let us know in the comments section below.

We see you’ve enjoyed our content right until the end. To get more insightful stories, sign up to our newsletter.

Be sure to read the Five media trends to look out for in 2020 to be prepared for what the media industry has in store for us in the new year.
*Image courtesy of Pixabay