Via I Want Media: The equities research team at Merrill Lynch predicted that online newspaper revenue will continue to grow as print ad revenues plummet, MediaPost
reports. According to the report released Friday, the majority of newspapers’ online earnings have increased by at least 10%. However, the report warned against relying too heavily on Web ads. “While the success is worth noting, the dollar amounts are still small and still present a challenge long term against increased competition.” The team also noted that mergers account for part of print advertising’s dip, with consolidations such as that of Sears and Kmart shrinking the number of advertisers who purchase display ads. In contrast, Web revenue comes mainly from category advertising.

Via I Want Media: Apple has sued a Harvard freshman for misappropriating trade secrets after he foretold the debut of the software package and computer introduced at the MacWorld Conference and Expo this week, the Washington
Post reports. Nicholas M. Ciarelli’s Web site, ThinkSecret.com, gained many devotees when it reported the release of the G4 PowerBook laptop in 2001, and Apple feels that its latest insider disclosure should be its last. In a written statement regarding the lawsuit, Apple called the company’s DNA “innovation” and said that “the protection of our trade secrets is crucial to our success.” Some believe the suit is not about Ciarelli,
but rather the first step toward uncovering the source of his information.