NAICS 511 - Publishing Industries (except Internet)
Industries in the Publishing Industries (except Internet) subsector group establishments engaged in the publishing of newspapers, magazines, other periodicals, and books, as well as directory and mailing list and software publishing. In general, these establishments, which are known as publishers, issue copies of works for which they usually possess copyright. Works may be in one or more formats including traditional print form, CD-ROM, or proprietary electronic networks. Publishers may publish works originally created by others for which they have obtained the rights and/or works that they have created in-house. Software publishing is included here because the activity, creation of a copyrighted product and bringing it to market, is equivalent to the creation process for other types of intellectual products.
In NAICS, publishing the reporting, writing, editing, and other processes that are required to create an edition of a newspaper is treated as a major economic activity in its own right, rather than as a subsidiary activity to a manufacturing activity, printing. Thus, publishing is classified in the Information sector; whereas, printing remains in the NAICS Manufacturing sector. In part, the NAICS classification reflects the fact that publishing increasingly takes place in establishments that are physically separate from the associated printing establishments. More crucially, the NAICS classification of book and newspaper publishing is intended to portray their roles in a modern economy, in which they do not resemble manufacturing activities.
Music publishers are not included in the Publishing Industries (except Internet) subsector, but are included in the Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries subsector. Reproduction of prepackaged software is treated in NAICS as a manufacturing activity; on-line distribution of software products is in the Information sector, and custom design of software to client specifications is included in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector. These distinctions arise because of the different ways that software is created, reproduced, and distributed.
The Publishing Industries (except Internet) subsector does not include establishments that publish exclusively on the Internet. Establishments publishing exclusively on the Internet are included in Subsector 516, Internet Publishing and Broadcasting. The Publishing Industries (except Internet) subsector also excludes products, such as manifold business forms. Information is not the essential component of these items. Establishments producing these items are included in Subsector 323, Printing and Related Support Activities.
Industry trends:
The Publishing Industries (except Internet) under NAICS 511 are undergoing significant transformation driven by the digital revolution, evolving consumer preferences, and changing distribution channels. Even though traditional print media like books and newspapers are experiencing pressure due to digital alternatives, innovative trends are emerging within the industry.
An increasing emphasis is being placed on digital publishing, offering augmented digital content such as enhanced eBooks and multimedia. These innovations are attracting tech-savvy consumers, offering more interactive and engaging reading experiences. Meanwhile, audiobooks are gaining substantial momentum, driven by smartphones and streaming platforms; this growth is expected to continue in the near future as convenience and multi-tasking become staples of modern life.
There is a growing interest in niche and self-publishing, as advancements in technology lower the barriers to entry for new authors. Print-on-demand services are allowing authors to bypass traditional publishing constraints, while direct-to-consumer models are giving publishers greater control over sales and audience engagement. The sustained demand for personalized content and small press publications is likely to fuel these models further.
Furthermore, sustainability trends are compelling publishers to adopt more eco-friendly practices, whether through responsibly sourced materials in print production or reduced carbon footprints in distribution. In terms of forecasting, the industry is seen as gravitating towards a hybrid model that combines digital advances with the tactile element of print, ensuring diverse content delivery and continued audience engagement across multiple platforms.
This industry is comprised of:
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