Critical success factors

The Internet has changed the way newspapers do business. However,traditional print newspapers globally are seizing the opportunity,are delivering digital content and are becoming major players inthe online world.This exploratory study investigates the critical success factorsfor, challenges faced by and future strategies being considered bySouth African online newspapers. In-depth, semi-structuredinterviews were used to gather information and opinions ofindustry experts operating within the South African onlinenewspaper industry.The primary findings were that there are a number of criticalsuccess factors for an online newspaper in South Africa. The mostimportant factors are; brand name, providing localised content,having a suitable technology platform, establishing affiliateprograms and generating revenue from advertising.The main challenges included the lack of online skills in SouthAfrica and the digital divide. Strategies being considered wereimplementing more mobile offerings and developing onlinecommunities