Tecnologia, inovação e modelos de negócio nos jornais regionais portugueses = Technology, innovation, and business models in Portugal's local newspapers

Abstract

Technological innovation plays a transformative role in media, in the face of digital transition and a financial crisis that plagues the sector. This article analyses the role that innovation plays in Portuguese regional newspapers, and in their funding models, through a qualitative approach (interviews with the heads of three digital native outlets and three storied print newspapers). The interviewees define the concept of innovation as interwoven with technology, but they also consider that business models and editorial angles can be innovative. However, the heads of the traditional newspapers are skeptical towards the sustainability of digital journalism, highlighting the continued financial relevance of their print editions. For the digital natives, funding sources split between private investors, fellowships, digital subscriptions and donations. All interviewees show concern about the crisis in the sector and they are attentive to the challenges brought by digital technologies; they reinforce that they are living a moment of transition.