We’re happy to be back with another Friday Five, breaking down the biggest shifts in media, tech, and publishing. This week, The New York Times is eyeing subscription bundles, Nvidia takes a hit as as DeepSeek’s AI shakes up the market, and Meta’s fact-checking exit could create new opportunities for publishers. Plus, El País hits a major subscriber milestone, and CNN makes cuts as it leans further into digital. Let’s dive in!
Scoop: NYT eyes U.S. subscription bundle partners
The New York Times is exploring partnerships to create subscription bundles for U.S. readers. This initiative aims to offer subscribers access to a variety of services under a single subscription, enhancing brand value and convenience. Potential partners and specific services under consideration have not yet been disclosed. This move reflects a broader trend among media companies seeking to diversify offerings and attract a wider audience through bundled services. Read more on Axios.
Nvidia faces a reckoning as Chinese upstart raises questions about Wall Street’s darling
In a big AI shake-up this week, Nvidia's stock plunged nearly 17% on Monday, erasing approximately $595 billion in market value. This downturn was triggered by Chinese startup DeepSeek's announcement of a cost-effective AI model, raising concerns about potential reduced demand for Nvidia's AI chips. Despite this setback, many investors remain optimistic about Nvidia's long-term prospects, noting the company's resilience and the ongoing momentum in AI development. Read more on the Associated Press.
Will Facebook’s likely loss be publishers’ gain?
Meta's recent decision to end fact-checking on Facebook in the U.S. is expected to create a more toxic environment on the platform, potentially leading to a decline in users and advertisers. In his column, James Evelegh suggests that this shift could present an opportunity for publishers to attract users and advertisers seeking trustworthy and safe platforms. By emphasizing reliable content and strengthening their marketing efforts, he believes publishers can capitalize on the anticipated migration from Facebook to more credible news sources. Read more on InPublishing.
El Pais exceeds 400,000 subscribers in four and a half years
El País' steady growth in digital subscriptions highlights a broader shift in how audiences consume news. Since launching its subscription model in May 2020, the publication has attracted over 400,000 subscribers, with the vast majority opting for digital access. This milestone underscores the increasing demand for high-quality journalism in an era where trust and credibility are more important than ever. Editor-in-Chief Pepa Bueno sees this as a testament to readers' confidence in El País and the enduring value of professional reporting. Read more on LaboratoriodePeriodismo.
CNN announces layoffs as it revamps its schedule and digital strategy
CNN is making major shifts to keep pace with how audiences consume news. As part of a broader push toward digital, the company has announced layoffs affecting about 200 employees, roughly 6% of its workforce. This restructuring signals CNN’s commitment to adapting in a rapidly changing media landscape, where streaming and online platforms are increasingly shaping the future of news. The move underscores the network’s efforts to stay relevant and competitive as audience habits continue to evolve. Read more on CNN.