[Ranking] TOP 25 Publishing / Entertainment Companies Q3/2023
Intro
Publishing is an integral part of the entertainment industry, playing a critical role in the worldwide economy. From books to magazines, newspapers to digital content, publishing companies are responsible for disseminating information, entertainment, and creative works to a global audience.
With their profound influence, publishing companies have a ripple effect across diverse sectors. They shape public opinion, influence cultural trends, and drive innovation in the entertainment landscape. The success and reach of publishing companies have the power to impact industries such as film, music, and technology.
The economic magnitude of the publishing industry is remarkable, with significant growth projected in the coming years. Despite challenges posed by digital disruption, publishing companies continue to thrive, adapting to changing consumer preferences and expanding their offerings. The industry's upward trajectory is fueled by the increasing demand for digital content and the globalization of media consumption.
Recent trends in the publishing industry include the rise of self-publishing platforms, the growing popularity of audiobooks, and the shift towards digital subscriptions. Breakthroughs in technology have made it easier than ever for authors to publish their work independently, while audiobooks have gained traction as a convenient and immersive form of storytelling. However, the industry also faces obstacles such as copyright infringement and declining print sales.
The landscape of the publishing industry is constantly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and changes in consumer behavior. Traditional publishing houses are facing competition from digital content providers and self-publishing platforms. The rise of e-books and digital reading devices has revolutionized the way people consume written content. These dynamic shifts set the context for the exploration of the top companies in the publishing industry.
Ranking
#25 Grupo Planeta
Employees: 3K
Revenue: 500M$
Website: https://www.planetadelibros.com/
Description: Grupo Planeta is a prominent player in the publishing industry, operating primarily in Europe. With its headquarters located in Barcelona, Spain, the company has been in operation since 1949. Grupo Planeta is known for its diverse portfolio of publishing imprints and its extensive range of books covering various genres and topics. The company has a workforce of approximately 3,000 employees, who contribute to its success in generating an annual revenue of around 500 million dollars. Grupo Planeta's commitment to promoting literature and its dedication to fostering cultural exchange have solidified its position as a key player in the publishing industry.
#24 HarperCollins Publishers
Employees: 3K
Revenue: 1B$
Website: https://www.harpercollins.com/
Description: HarperCollins Publishers, headquartered in New York City, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry. Founded in 1817, the company has a rich history and has established itself as a leading publisher of fiction and non-fiction books, children's books, and digital content. With approximately 3,000 employees, HarperCollins operates globally, publishing works by renowned authors and emerging talent alike. The company has a diverse portfolio of imprints, catering to a wide range of readers across various genres. HarperCollins generates an impressive annual revenue of around 1 billion US dollars, making it a key player in the entertainment industry.
#23 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Employees: 3.5K
Revenue: 1.2B$
Website: https://www.hmhco.com/
Description: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing, headquartered in Boston, United States, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry. Established in 1832, the company has a workforce of approximately 3.5 thousand employees. With an annual revenue of 1.2 billion dollars, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing operates as a leading educational content and technology company. Their focus lies in developing and delivering innovative educational materials, resources, and digital solutions to educators and students across the globe. The company's offerings span a wide range of subjects and grade levels, aiming to empower teachers and inspire students to achieve their full potential. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing's commitment to educational excellence has cemented its position as a trusted partner in the education industry.
#22 Groupe Gallimard
Employees: 1.5K
Revenue: 1.2B$
Website: https://www.gallimard.fr/
Description: Groupe Gallimard, headquartered in Paris, France, is a prominent publishing company operating in the Entertainment industry. Founded in 1911, the company has a rich history and has become a leading player in the publishing world. With approximately 1.5 thousand employees, Groupe Gallimard is dedicated to producing and distributing high-quality books, magazines, and other literary works. The company's revenue stands at an impressive 1.2 billion US dollars. Groupe Gallimard's commitment to excellence in publishing has earned them a strong reputation and a loyal customer base, making them a significant force in the industry.
#21 Random House
Employees: 5K
Revenue: 1.2B$
Website: https://www.randomhouse.com
Description: Random House is a prominent publishing company based in New York City, United States. Established in 1927, Random House operates in the Entertainment industry, specifically in Publishing. With a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees, the company generates an annual revenue of around 1.2 billion US dollars. Random House is renowned for its diverse range of publications, covering various genres including fiction, non-fiction, and children's books. The company collaborates with a multitude of talented authors, editors, and illustrators to produce high-quality books that captivate readers worldwide. Random House's commitment to publishing excellence and innovation has solidified its position as a leading player in the publishing industry.
#20 Bonnier AB
Employees: 10K
Revenue: 1.5B$
Website: https://www.bonnier.com
Description: Bonnier AB, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, is a major player in the publishing industry. Founded in 1804, the company has a rich history and extensive experience in the field. With approximately 10,000 employees, Bonnier AB operates a diverse portfolio of publishing brands, covering a wide range of genres and topics. Their publications include books, magazines, newspapers, and digital content, catering to both mass market and niche audiences. Bonnier AB's revenue stands at an impressive 1.5 billion US dollars, showcasing their significant presence in the publishing market. With their commitment to delivering quality content and innovative publishing solutions, Bonnier AB continues to shape the entertainment industry through their diverse range of publications.
#19 Scholastic Corporation
Employees: 9.5K
Revenue: 1.6B$
Website: https://www.scholastic.com/
Description: Scholastic Corporation is a leading publishing company in the Entertainment industry. Headquartered in New York City, United States, Scholastic was founded in 1920. With a workforce of approximately 9.5 thousand employees, the company operates in the publishing sector, primarily focusing on educational materials for children. Scholastic's revenue stands at around 1.6 billion dollars. The company is well-known for its diverse range of books, classroom magazines, digital learning platforms, and educational technology products. Scholastic's offerings cater to various age groups and cover a wide range of subject areas, including literacy, STEM, and social studies. Through its engaging and interactive content, Scholastic aims to inspire a love for reading and learning among young minds.
#18 John Wiley & Sons
Employees: 5K
Revenue: 1.8B$
Website: https://www.wiley.com
Description: John Wiley & Sons, headquartered in Hoboken, United States, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry. Since its establishment in 1807, the company has been a key contributor to the dissemination of knowledge and information through its wide range of publications. With a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees, the company has established itself as a significant publisher in various domains, including scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly research. John Wiley & Sons' revenue stands at an impressive 1.8 billion US dollars, reflecting its strong position in the industry. Through its website, https://www.wiley.com, the company offers access to its vast collection of books, journals, and online resources, catering to the needs of professionals, researchers, educators, and students worldwide.
#17 Penguin Random House
Employees: 10K
Revenue: 2B$
Website: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
Description: Penguin Random House, headquartered in New York City, United States, is a leading player in the publishing industry. With a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees, the company operates globally and is known for its extensive catalog of books across various genres. Penguin Random House publishes both fiction and non-fiction titles, catering to a wide range of readers. The company's commitment to quality and diversity is evident in its partnerships with renowned authors and its dedication to promoting diverse voices. Generating an impressive revenue of 2 billion dollars, Penguin Random House continues to be a major contributor to the entertainment industry, providing captivating literary content to readers worldwide.
#16 Hachette Livre
Employees: 10K
Revenue: 2.5B$
Website: https://www.hachette.com
Description: Hachette Livre, headquartered in Paris, France, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry. With a history dating back to 1826, the company has established itself as a leading publisher of books, magazines, and educational materials. Hachette Livre operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of imprints and subsidiaries catering to various genres and markets. The company's impressive workforce of approximately 10,000 employees contributes to its success, ensuring the production and distribution of high-quality content across multiple platforms. Hachette Livre's annual revenue of 2.5 billion dollars solidifies its position as a major player in the entertainment industry, providing readers worldwide with engaging and informative literary offerings.
#15 Springer Science+Business Media
Employees: 10K
Revenue: 2.5B$
Website: https://www.springer.com
Description: Springer Science+Business Media, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, is a leading player in the Publishing industry. Since its establishment in 1842, the company has been at the forefront of providing high-quality scientific, technical, and medical literature to researchers, professionals, and students worldwide. With a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees, Springer Science+Business Media is committed to advancing knowledge and disseminating research through its vast portfolio of books, journals, and digital platforms. The company's revenue stands at an impressive 2.5 billion US dollars, a testament to its influential presence in the industry. Springer Science+Business Media continues to be a trusted source of information, driving innovation and facilitating the exchange of ideas in the ever-evolving field of publishing.
#14 CBS Interactive
Employees: 5.6K
Revenue: 4.2B$
Website: https://www.cbsinteractive.com
Description: CBS Interactive, headquartered in New York City, United States, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry within the Entertainment sector. The company was founded in 2005 and currently employs approximately 5.6 thousand individuals. With a revenue of around 4.2 billion dollars, CBS Interactive operates a diverse range of publishing activities, including online media properties, digital streaming platforms, and mobile applications. They deliver a wide array of content to their audience in the form of news articles, videos, live streaming, and interactive experiences. CBS Interactive's digital publishing platforms cater to various interests such as news, sports, entertainment, technology, and gaming, attracting a large and engaged user base. As a leading player in the Publishing industry, CBS Interactive continues to expand its digital presence and deliver compelling content to audiences worldwide.
#13 McGraw Hill Financial Inc.
Employees: 20K
Revenue: 4.5B$
Website: https://www.mhfi.com/
Description: McGraw Hill Financial Inc., headquartered in New York, United States, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry. With a history dating back to 1888, the company has established itself as a leader in providing financial information and analytics to businesses and investors. Operating under the parent industry of Entertainment, McGraw Hill Financial Inc. offers a wide range of publications and services that cater to the needs of financial professionals, including credit ratings, market data, research, and risk management solutions. With a workforce of approximately 20,000 employees, the company generates an impressive revenue of 4.5 billion dollars. Through its comprehensive offerings and extensive expertise, McGraw Hill Financial Inc. continues to shape and influence the financial landscape on a global scale.
#12 Pearson PLC
Employees: 25K
Revenue: 4.5B$
Website: https://www.pearson.com
Description: Pearson PLC, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry. Established in 1844, the company has a workforce of approximately 25,000 employees. With an annual revenue of around 4.5 billion dollars, Pearson operates as a leading provider of educational content, technology, and services. The company offers a wide range of learning materials, including textbooks, digital learning tools, and online courses, catering to students of all ages and educational levels. Pearson's focus on innovation and technology has enabled them to develop interactive and personalized learning solutions, enhancing the educational experience for millions of learners globally. Through their publishing arm, Pearson plays a significant role in shaping the landscape of the entertainment industry by providing high-quality educational resources and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
#11 Wolters Kluwer
Employees: 19.3K
Revenue: 4.6B$
Website: https://www.wolterskluwer.com/
Description: Wolters Kluwer is a leading global information services company that operates in the Publishing industry. Based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the company was founded in 1836. With a workforce of approximately 19.3 thousand employees, Wolters Kluwer generates an impressive revenue of 4.6 billion dollars. The company specializes in providing expert solutions and services to professionals in various domains, including legal, tax, accounting, finance, and healthcare. Through its extensive portfolio of digital tools, software, and publications, Wolters Kluwer empowers its customers to make critical decisions, improve productivity, and deliver better outcomes. With a strong focus on innovation and leveraging technology, Wolters Kluwer remains at the forefront of the Publishing industry, providing essential information and insights to professionals worldwide.
#10 Lagardère Group
Employees: 25K
Revenue: 8.6B$
Website: https://www.lagardere.com/
Description: Lagardère Group, headquartered in Paris, France, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry. Established in 1826, Lagardère Group has a rich history and extensive experience in the entertainment sector. With a workforce of approximately 25,000 employees, the company operates globally, engaging in various publishing activities such as book publishing, magazine publishing, and digital publishing. Lagardère Group's diverse portfolio includes renowned publishing brands that span different genres and markets. The company's revenue stands at an impressive 8.6 billion dollars, solidifying its position as a leading player in the Publishing industry.
#9 News Corp
Employees: 20K
Revenue: 10B$
Website: https://www.newscorp.com/
Description: News Corp is a publishing company operating in the Entertainment industry. Headquartered in New York City, United States, News Corp is one of the largest media conglomerates in the world. Founded in 1980, the company employs approximately 20,000 people. With a revenue of around 10 billion dollars, News Corp owns and operates various newspapers, magazines, and digital publications. They are known for their prominent media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, and The Sun. News Corp also has a significant presence in the book publishing industry, with subsidiaries like HarperCollins Publishers. Through their publishing activities, News Corp plays a crucial role in shaping the global media landscape.
#8 Reed Elsevier PLC
Employees: 33K
Revenue: 10.7B$
Website: https://www.reedelsevier.com
Description: Reed Elsevier PLC, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a leading player in the Publishing industry. With a history dating back to 1992, the company has established itself as a prominent publisher in the entertainment sector. Reed Elsevier PLC employs approximately 33,000 professionals worldwide, contributing to its success and growth. The company's revenue stands at an impressive 10.7 billion dollars, reflecting its strong presence and performance in the industry. Through its diverse portfolio of publishing offerings, Reed Elsevier PLC continues to shape the Entertainment industry landscape and provide valuable content to its global audience.
#7 CBS Corporation
Employees: 17K
Revenue: 15B$
Website: https://www.cbscorporation.com/
Description: The CBS Corporation, headquartered in New York City, United States, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry within the Entertainment sector. Founded in 1927, CBS Corporation operates a diverse portfolio of media assets, including CBS Television Network, Showtime Networks, CBS Interactive, CBS Films, and Simon & Schuster. With approximately 17,000 employees, the company generates substantial annual revenue of around 15 billion US dollars. CBS Corporation is known for producing and distributing popular television shows, movies, and digital content, as well as publishing books through Simon & Schuster, one of the largest English-language publishers worldwide. Through its various subsidiaries, CBS Corporation continues to play a significant role in shaping the entertainment landscape and delivering high-quality content to audiences globally.
#6 Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA
Employees: 117K
Revenue: 19.3B$
Website: https://www.bertelsmann.com/
Description: Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA is a prominent player in the publishing industry, operating in the entertainment sector. With its headquarters in Gütersloh, Germany, the company has a long-standing history, being founded in 1835. Employing approximately 117,000 individuals, Bertelsmann has established itself as a major employer in the industry. The company generates significant revenue, with an estimated annual revenue of 19.3 billion dollars. Bertelsmann is involved in various publishing activities, including book publishing, magazine publishing, and digital media distribution. Their diverse portfolio encompasses renowned publishing brands, making them a key contributor to the entertainment industry.
#5 ViacomCBS Inc.
Employees: 22K
Revenue: 28B$
Website: https://www.viacbs.com
Description: ViacomCBS Inc. is a leading global media and entertainment company operating in the Publishing industry. Headquartered in New York City, United States, ViacomCBS is known for its wide range of content across various platforms. With a history dating back to 2005, the company has grown to employ approximately 22,000 individuals worldwide. ViacomCBS generates significant revenue, with an estimated annual income of 28 billion US dollars. The company's publishing division focuses on creating and distributing compelling content in print and digital formats, catering to a diverse audience. Through its publishing activities, ViacomCBS aims to engage and entertain readers while maintaining a strong presence in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
#4 Time Warner Inc.
Employees: 98K
Revenue: 30B$
Website: https://www.timewarner.com
Description: Time Warner Inc., based in New York City, is a major player in the Publishing industry within the broader Entertainment sector. With a rich history dating back to 1922, the company has established itself as a prominent publisher of books, magazines, and digital content. Time Warner operates through various subsidiaries and imprints, including Warner Books, Time Inc., and Turner Broadcasting System. The company's publishing activities span a wide range of genres and interests, covering both fiction and non-fiction. With a global workforce of approximately 98,000 employees, Time Warner generates impressive annual revenue of around 30 billion dollars.
#3 Walt Disney Company
Employees: 200K
Revenue: 65B$
Website: https://www.waltdisney.com
Description: The Walt Disney Company, headquartered in Burbank, United States, is a global entertainment company operating in the Publishing industry. Founded in 1923, it has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known media conglomerates in the world. With approximately 200,000 employees, Disney operates a diverse range of businesses within the publishing sector, including book publishing, magazine publishing, and digital publishing. The company's publishing activities encompass a wide array of content, from children's books and educational materials to adult fiction and non-fiction. Through its various publishing imprints and divisions, Disney aims to entertain and inspire readers of all ages, leveraging its iconic characters, storytelling prowess, and innovative digital platforms. With annual revenues of around 65 billion dollars, Disney's publishing endeavors contribute significantly to its overall success in the entertainment industry.
#2 Sony Corporation
Employees: 110K
Revenue: 79B$
Website: https://www.sony.com
Description: Sony Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry. With a history dating back to 1946, Sony has established itself as a leading global entertainment company. The company operates in various segments of the entertainment industry, including music, film, television, and gaming. Sony's publishing division encompasses a wide range of activities, including the production, distribution, and marketing of books, magazines, and digital content. With a workforce of approximately 110,000 employees, Sony generates impressive annual revenues of around 79 billion dollars. Through its publishing endeavors, Sony continues to shape the entertainment landscape with innovative and engaging content for audiences worldwide.
#1 Comcast Corporation
Employees: 190K
Revenue: 108B$
Website: https://corporate.comcast.com/
Description: Comcast Corporation, headquartered in Philadelphia, United States, is a prominent player in the Publishing industry. Established in 1963, the company has grown to become a major force in the entertainment sector. With approximately 190,000 employees, Comcast Corporation operates a range of publishing businesses, delivering a diverse portfolio of content to global audiences. The company's revenue stands at an impressive 108 billion dollars, demonstrating its significant market presence. Comcast Corporation continues to innovate and expand its publishing operations, catering to the evolving demands of consumers worldwide.
Summary
The publishing industry, a sub-industry of the entertainment sector, has witnessed the rise of several prominent companies that have made significant contributions to the field. These companies have achieved high rankings and noteworthy accomplishments, solidifying their positions as leaders in the publishing industry.
One unexpected finding is the resilience of these top publishing companies in the face of digital disruption. Despite the rise of e-books and online reading platforms, these companies have managed to thrive by adapting their business models and leveraging technology to their advantage.
Among the premier companies in the publishing industry are Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette Livre, and Macmillan Publishers. These companies have established themselves as household names in the publishing world and have a strong presence in both traditional and digital book markets.
One shared element among these leading firms is their commitment to publishing high-quality content. They prioritize editorial excellence, ensuring that their books meet the highest standards in terms of writing, editing, and design. Additionally, these companies invest in talented authors and illustrators, fostering creativity and innovation in their publications.
What sets these eminent publishing companies apart from their rivals is their ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. They have successfully embraced digital platforms, offering e-books and audiobooks alongside their print editions. Moreover, they have expanded their reach globally, catering to readers in different countries and languages.