News

Apps: When, why, and how they truly work for news publishers

Jonny Kaldor, Co-Founder of Pugpig, shares expert insights on how mobile apps can drive engagement and loyalty for news publishers on the latest podcast episode from Norkon.

25th November 2024

In the latest episode of ‘I Need More Coffee & Better Ideas’ – the podcast from our friends at Norkon – Jonny Kaldor, Co-founder and CEO of Pugpig, unpacks the pivotal role apps play in building strong, lasting connections between news publishers and their audiences. Successful apps require deliberate newsroom integration and effort to deliver value beyond content.

Speaking with Norkon’s Birger Søiland, Jonny explains how apps create habitual engagement—daily or weekly “appointments” with the brand—helping publishers strengthen reader loyalty, boost retention, and gather valuable data. Apps act as a direct engagement tool, reducing reliance on search engines and social media, fostering a “return of the home screen” moment for media companies.

The discussion highlights unique app utilities, such as the Men’s Health and Women’s Health apps offering personal training plans, demonstrating how apps can provide more than just content. Jonny also shares insights into evolving content delivery mechanisms that will shape the next five years for the industry.

For publishers seeking to deepen relationships with readers and build loyalty on mobile, this episode provides invaluable perspectives. Listen in full below.