A robust content management system (CMS) is the backbone of any modern newsroom, playing a pivotal role in streamlining workflows, enhancing scalability, and delivering a seamless reader experience. With numerous CMS platforms available, each tailored to specific needs and budgets, choosing the right one can be daunting. This article explores some of the leading CMS options for publishers, with insights drawn from the Google News Initiative CMS Providers directory.

What is a CMS and why does it matter?

A CMS is software that enables organizations to create, manage, and publish digital content without requiring advanced technical expertise. For newsrooms, a good CMS does more than just manage articles; it facilitates collaboration among teams, supports multimedia storytelling, and adapts to evolving audience needs. Key factors to consider when choosing a CMS include:

• Ease of use: Can non-technical staff navigate it easily?
• Customization: Does it support the newsroom’s unique editorial needs?
• Scalability: Can it grow as the newsroom expands?
• Cost: Is it affordable given the organization’s budget?
• Integration: Does it integrate well with other tools, such as analytics and ad platforms?

Spotlight on Arc

Arc by The Washington Post is a premier CMS designed for large, fast-paced newsrooms. Built to handle high traffic and complex workflows, Arc offers a range of features tailored to modern publishers:

• Speed and scalability: Arc’s cloud-based infrastructure ensures reliability during traffic surges.
• Advanced storytelling tools: Multimedia integration and dynamic templates that we can modify with code allow for rich, engaging content.
• Workflow efficiency: Tools like Arc Composer simplify content organization and distribution.

At The Salt Lake Tribune, we have been on Arc for a few years and it has worked for our growing newsroom. While Arc is a powerful solution, its premium price point and technical complexity may pose challenges for smaller newsrooms or those with limited resources. 

Newspack: A nonprofit-friendly option

For smaller publishers and nonprofit newsrooms, Newspack provides an accessible and cost-effective CMS solution. Developed by WordPress.com in collaboration with Google News Initiative, Newspack is designed to simplify digital publishing while supporting robust audience engagement.

Key features include:

• Affordability: Tailored pricing makes it a feasible option for organizations with tight budgets.
• Built-in tools: SEO optimization, analytics, and subscription management are integrated.
• WordPress foundation: Familiarity and ease of use for those accustomed to WordPress.

However, Newspack may not be ideal for larger organizations that require more extensive customization or integration capabilities.

Other CMS options

The Google News Initiative CMS Providers directory highlights several additional platforms that other newsrooms are currently using:

• Ghost: A minimalist, open-source CMS focused on speed and simplicity.
• WordPress: A trusted widely-used CMS offering extensive plugins, themes, and customization options, making it adaptable to newsrooms of all sizes.
• Drupal: Known for its flexibility and scalability, ideal for organizations with technical expertise.
• Contentful: A headless CMS offering extensive customization and integration options.
• Squarespace and Wix: User-friendly platforms suitable for smaller teams or startups.

Each CMS has its own strengths, catering to different types of publishers. For instance, Ghost and Contentful excel in developer-friendly environments, while Drupal offers extensive flexibility.

Choosing the right CMS for your newsroom

Selecting the right CMS involves aligning the platform’s capabilities with your newsroom’s specific needs. Consider the following factors:

1. Size of your team: Larger teams may require advanced collaboration tools.
2. Budget: Evaluate both upfront and ongoing costs and also potential increases in costs over time.
3. Technical expertise: Determine whether your team can manage a complex system or if simplicity is key. Some may require developers to maintain.
4. Content strategy: Consider the types of content you produce and how they’ll be showcased. This is key for outward display. 
5. Scalability and support: Ensure the CMS can grow with your organization and offer reliable customer support. This is especially important for smaller teams.

Looking ahead

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, selecting the right CMS is critical for ensuring efficiency, scalability, and a superior reader experience. Platforms like Arc and Newspack cater to diverse needs, from high-traffic publishers to nonprofits seeking affordability. To explore more options and find the best fit for your newsroom, visit the Google News Initiative CMS Providers directory.

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Cite this article

Partida, Alex (2025, Jan. 13). Top CMS solutions for newsrooms. Reynolds Journalism Institute. Retrieved from: https://rjionline.org/news/top-cms-solutions-for-newsrooms/