In the news: How some publishers are turning to Facebook groups as a potential driver of revenue.

Can publishers drive revenue through Facebook groups? Many publishers already connect with readers on Facebook pages, which tend to be a bigger draw than smaller groups. But now some publishers, including Outside magazine, are testing the waters with groups. Max Willens of Digiday.com writes: "Groups require persistent tending and attention, not just from junior audience development staffers but from high-level editors and other people who represent the face of a publisher's brand."

Next month, Outside magazine will be launching a new Facebook group in conjunction with one of its advertisers. According to Willens, "The group will include a pinned post directing readers to a piece of branded content explaining the brand's involvement, and the brand will share moderating duties with Outside editorial staffers. The brand also will help draft the group's welcome messaging, and where appropriate, be allowed to run giveaways in the group." Read more about the group here.

Also Notable

Playboy Joins the #DeleteFacebook Movement

Not all publishers are still embracing Facebook. This week, Playboy joined entrepreneur Elon Musk and actor Will Ferrell, among others, in deleting its Facebook page. The departure comes in response to the recent Cambridge Analytica data breach. Playboy's official statement indicates its reluctance to expose readers to further data breaches. Read more here.

Meredith Makes Changes at Time Inc.

Meredith is now gearing ad sales efforts for its recent acquisition, Time Inc., toward individual titles rather than categories. Writes Audrey Schomer of BusinessInsider.com: "Meredith's latest move to reorganize Time Inc.'s ad sales operations under Meredith's existing sales structure aims to drive stronger relationships between specific magazine brands and advertisers, which has been key to Meredith's strategy." The move is one of several major changes at Time Inc. this month. Two weeks ago, Jessica Toonkel and Liana B. Baker of Reuters reported that Meredith was considering selling Time, Fortune, Money, and Sports Illustrated. Read more here and here.

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