Online media is evolving and adapting to new business models in order to survive. The industry is continuously transforming to keep up with changing consumer preferences and technological advancements.
Despite the challenges faced by online media in Southeast Asia, and globally, due to content limitations and changes, they are now struggling financially. Social media platforms have become the main sources of revenue for many media providers. These providers are seeking new market opportunities to finance their work while remaining independent and credible during this financial crisis. In Indonesia, the online media company Katadata has opened a Business Research and Data communications department to generate income from alternative markets. They use their journalism expertise to create content for campaigns, with 60-70% of their income coming from this business model. VietnamPlus, a government agency in Vietnam, is generating income from high-quality content, such as in-depth stories and exclusive interviews. They are the first in Vietnam to require readers to pay for this content. It is crucial for online media providers to adapt to new business models to survive, while maintaining journalistic ethics and standards.