New Market Report on Publisher CMS Preferences

How are publishers navigating the evolving landscape of Content Management Systems (CMS)? What drives their decisions when selecting a CMS, and how satisfied are they with the platforms they currently use? As digital audiences grow and AI reshapes content creation, these questions are becoming increasingly critical for news organisations worldwide.

At FT Strategies, we set out to explore these issues in-depth by directly surveying publishers about their CMS experiences and needs. Our study focuses on three core areas:

 

    1. Current CMS Use & Satisfaction: Understanding how publishers feel about their current CMS, including satisfaction levels across various platforms and features.
    2. CMS Implementation & Maintenance: Exploring the challenges and successes publishers encounter during the implementation and ongoing maintenance of their CMS.
    3. Factors Influencing CMS Purchase: Identifying the key criteria that drive publishers' decisions when selecting a CMS, from pricing and customisation to ease of collaboration and vendor support.

 

To conduct this research, we surveyed 215 news organisations across 41 countries, gathering insights from a diverse group of publishers, with a particular emphasis on those based in the EMEA region.

Key Findings:

  • Diverse Satisfaction Levels: While many publishers are satisfied with basic CMS functionalities, there is a significant gap in satisfaction when it comes to advanced features like collaboration tools, integrated analytics, and support for complex content formats.
  • Implementation Challenges: Smaller publishers, in particular, struggle with CMS implementation, often due to limited internal tech expertise, highlighting the need for consistent vendor support.
  • Purchase Decisions: Publishers prioritise factors such as price, ease of customisation, and the ability to collaborate effectively when selecting a CMS, but there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

We hope this report provides valuable insights into the current state of CMS in the publishing industry and helps you make more informed decisions about your digital infrastructure. Whether you’re re-evaluating your current CMS or exploring new options, this study offers a comprehensive look at the factors shaping publishers' choices and satisfaction levels.

Download the full report to dive deeper into these findings and learn more about how FT Strategies can support your CMS and tech stack needs.