The service is available in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, even though Apple now has 1.4 billion active devices worldwide.

Publishers need to give readers a reason to spend more time with value-added news and information, and not with freely available user-generated content, the essence of social media.

Apple News Magazines will be connected to the accounts of iTunes Store users. Subscribers will pay a flat monthly fee for access to hundreds of digital publications.

Google's proposed changes likely will spur ad-blocking companies to redesign their software. That will make ad-blocking a continued problem for web publishers that depend on display ads for revenue.

John Carreyrou's 'Wall Street Journal' reporting was contrary to the hype that surrounded Holmes - and possibly saved lives from her company's irresponsible behavior.

The coming rollout of high-speed 5G mobile networks will open the digital floodgates for content even wider, which means publishers have the possibility to deliver video ads to readers

Generally, it's heartening to see publishers stir up outrage when it leads to healthy discussion and a higher understanding.

'BuzzFeed' stands by its story, though other outlets haven't been able to confirm the latest Trump-Cohen entry. Also, the special counsel's office disputed the story in a rare public statement.

Both companies have pledged millions to journalism. Such charity is an ominous sign that publishers face an even more diminished presence among ad-supported media.

This could be a sign that consolidation likely will accelerate this year as newspaper publishers seek greater scale to compete for digital ad dollars.