Media Revenue Models Framework: 12 categories of income sources for media companies

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As the world of media moves beyond its traditional boundaries, media operators need to broaden their thinking about potential revenue sources. In a connected world, the possibilities transcend the classic advertising, sales and subscription models.

In my recent article Creating the Future of Media: 4 Driving Forces, 4 Strategic Issues, 4 Essential Capabilities in Media Titles magazine I wanted to point to some of the possibilities. I brought together some of what we had been working on with clients to create a Media Revenue Models framework to show some of what is possible.

Of course a key aspect of potential revenue streams is the value creation that merits payment. While the general categories of value added by media have not changed, their relative importance definitely has. To understand potential revenue models, you must also be clear on the distinctive value add of your media offering.

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A few things to note. First, this is a draft, and while I haven’t had time to update it yet I’ve already been given some additional ideas to complement this. I’d love to hear any other perspectives or ideas that would add to this. Second, this only looks at revenue, not at business models, which look at how resources are brought together to create value. We’re in the process of developing a media business models framework. And third, the primary purpose of this is to help executives to think in new ways about their own business. I have already found it very valuable in strategy sessions with clients in generating new strategic options and ideas.

Here is the content in text form:

Value added

Reputation

Timeliness

Validation

Format

Visualization

Analysis

Ease of use

Design

Relevance

Synthesis

Tangibility

Filtering

Sense of community

Customization

Advertising

Brand creative

Pay per client

Pay per action/ sale

List rental

Product placement

Content

Subscription

Pay per view

Pay for format

Customized content

Distribution

Syndication

Licensing

Custom feeds

API feeds

Community

Membership

Pay for voting

Pay for messaging/ SMS

Sales of community research

Events

Conferences

Roundtables

Showcases

Access to buyers

Partnerships

Revenue share

Profit share

Share of revenue increase

Brand

Brand licensing

Sponsor fees

Branded products

Branded content

Platform

Sell distribution platform

License platform

Distribution fees

Serve advertising

Merchandising

Books/ research

Music/ video

Clothing

Other

Affiliate

Pay per sale

Pay per registration

Pay per download

Classifieds

Listing fees

Transaction fees

Contextual advertising

Leads

Lead generation

Registration for content

Offers

Enquiry matching