UK publishers look online for business development

A new study from the Association of Online Publishers shows many publishers in the UK are turning their attention to the web for greater businesses development.

The mobile web was cited by 91 percent of respondents as an area for "major opportunity" for business in the next 12 months. Twenty-five percent plan to launch mobile sites within the next year.

AOP polled 36 members representing more than 1,500 brands and publications for its study.

"When talking about the digital landscape, publishers have generally re-affirmed their belief in the traditional online revenue model", Tim Cain, head of research and insight of AOP, said.

In terms of platforms that offer the best revenue streams, 38 percent of respondents noted their website's paid content, 19 percent said iPads and other tablets and 18 percent said other mobile apps.

Behind the mobile web, respondents also cited high-speed broadband, online communities and social networking, ecommerce, paid content and behavioral targeting.

Some publishers in the United States have also turned online for new revenues. The New York Times has begun charging users for some content, while the Wall Street Journal's website is only open to paid subscribers.