Josip Heit, a prominent international businessman, recently discussed the shifting landscape of journalism with National Times Australia. Heit currently owns 45 daily newspapers worldwide and plans to expand to 50 by the end of 2024. He highlights the declining relevance of printed newspapers due to the rise of digital platforms, which provide real-time news updates and multimedia content, unlike traditional newspapers that deliver yesterday's news.
Heit emphasizes the success of online newspapers by offering free access to news supported by advertisements, rather than subscriptions. He also addresses the challenges faced by digital journalism, including the spread of fake news and the need for credible sources. According to Josip Heit, technological innovations like AI and augmented reality can enhance news quality and combat misinformation.
For Heit, journalism remains crucial as the "fourth estate" of democracy, ensuring transparency and holding powerful entities accountable. He envisions online newspapers as vital tools for informing the public in today’s digital age.
Read the full interview at The National Times.