The future of local newspapers
For years the world has said that the next stage for newspapers is delivering their news online. Has this happened? Sort of. But, it hasn't embraced its full potential and now it may be too late.
So what was their problem?
The answer is simple. There have only been traditional newspaper people both on the journalism side and the business side of running a paper trying to create and generate income from online ventures. And for years they have tried too hard to protect the print side because it's all they knew. It's been a known fact for years that newspaper subscriptions and readership have been declining. Instead of putting resources behind finding ways to generate income via online, they wasted time and resources in protecting the print business. They weren't willing to take the risk, a move that may spell their doom.
What should the local newspaper do?
First, stop trying to compete with national and world news sites online. Concentrate on what you do best, which is local coverage. Create online communities where traditional journalists interact with readers, and where readers can even be local journalists. The internet is supposed to be interactive, which means a two or more way street. Let readers have a voice and share their opinons about the news of the day.
Second, stop treating your online versions as just the thing you do to stay trendy. Your print side is failing. Embrace your online publication as your main outlet for news and information. Don't save stories for print and post them online the next day.
The Bottomline
Recognize that newspapers weren't what they were 100 or even 50 years ago. The people of the world today don't view news from the papers as the elite source for news. A news audience of this era no longer want to be passive, they want to be active participants. One thing print media can learn from the traditional ways of running a newspaper, know your audience. For some reason this has slipped their minds when conducting their online business.
So what was their problem?
The answer is simple. There have only been traditional newspaper people both on the journalism side and the business side of running a paper trying to create and generate income from online ventures. And for years they have tried too hard to protect the print side because it's all they knew. It's been a known fact for years that newspaper subscriptions and readership have been declining. Instead of putting resources behind finding ways to generate income via online, they wasted time and resources in protecting the print business. They weren't willing to take the risk, a move that may spell their doom.
What should the local newspaper do?
First, stop trying to compete with national and world news sites online. Concentrate on what you do best, which is local coverage. Create online communities where traditional journalists interact with readers, and where readers can even be local journalists. The internet is supposed to be interactive, which means a two or more way street. Let readers have a voice and share their opinons about the news of the day.
Second, stop treating your online versions as just the thing you do to stay trendy. Your print side is failing. Embrace your online publication as your main outlet for news and information. Don't save stories for print and post them online the next day.
The Bottomline
Recognize that newspapers weren't what they were 100 or even 50 years ago. The people of the world today don't view news from the papers as the elite source for news. A news audience of this era no longer want to be passive, they want to be active participants. One thing print media can learn from the traditional ways of running a newspaper, know your audience. For some reason this has slipped their minds when conducting their online business.
posted by Daniel M Silverman at 8:14 PM
5 Comments:
This is all very true, but I also wonder if newspapers can adapt quick enough to the changing industry.
I personally prefer reading the news online. I also prefer news from "non-newspaper" printing sources. (i.e. CNN, MSNBC, BBC etc). Is it realistic for the local newspapers to concentrate their energies and monies on web news as opposed to print? If their focus were to change, would it result in a subscription fee to view local web news? The younger generation may prefer web news and interaction but many prefer a cup of coffee, a doughnut, and their morning newspaper. As far as interaction, there has always been interaction; it has just been more on a personal level. For example, sharing news and opinions with co-workers, friends, family etc. I can accept that news, both local and world, will evolve to meet the needs of future generations, but I don't feel that it is too late. There will always be a place for "print". How many times have you printed a news article? There is nothing like reading something you can hold in your hands.
I totally agree. Most writers for newspapers are 'hacks' and do not know the true meaning of a journalist if they came face to face with it. They are not believable. Online reporting is usually supplied by the wire services with no egos involved.
Great post - some good stuff there, which has helped me with things I was already mulling over. It combined with a phrase I picked up this evening, making me think that local newspapers are becoming 'communication hospices' for the elderly and web-illiterate
sorry but I don't agree with you. I believe local newspapers can also provide an online news website for their community. No one today can afford to stay behind and not join the online community.
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