A short 'cast on Yahoo!'s ad deal with leading newspapers.

One of the highlights of my career was being instrumental in the founding/launching of The Gate. I joined The Chronicle in 1993 in the evolving new media group and was assigned the task of building out an online presence. Long story short, we became the first daily newspaper on the Web in 1994. I have quite a few insider stories (most of which I cannot share). I guess I can say I was there when it all started.

In today's MADCAST, Allen and Mike discuss how the coverage of last week's tragedy in Seattle exemplified the challenges and opportunities facing today's media incumbents.

 

I have been in the technology and media business for about 30 years. I have seen the growing impact on society of the Web culture, but today, I am convinced more than ever that it has changed everything forever. A family member was one of those killed in the horrific shootings in Seattle, and for the past hour, I have been unraveling the story. No, I have not been unraveling it from The Seattle Times or P-I or even a local radio or TV station. I have been to The Stranger and Myspace. None of the “traditional media” sources have the details. If you want to know the facts, the inside story and even the names of the victims (not publicly released), you have to go to these two sites for starters.

 

I had the chilling experience of going to our family member’s Myspace and seeing notes posted to his space in memoriam to the young man. I went to the comments posted on The Stranger--the ultimate example of consumer-generated news reporting--and found a TV reporter looking for the inside story—the story she could not get going the old-fashioned route. Even the online versions of the city's two big papers are not able to keep up with the reporting found in these alternative sources.

 

I am not sure what all of this means. I do know that for those who lives are being shaped in the bask of today’s media spotlight; this is proof that the old way of getting news and information is neither timely nor relevant. I know I am changed from this experience, but so is media. Forever.

I saw this quote, and shook my head. I said this in my little video clip about the future of the Olympics on TV. The networks are way too excited about low ratings and high Web traffic. It’s not an even exchange in one medium for the other.  I see danger ahead for shortsighted media execs.

 

From the World Association of Newspapers' Advertising Conference in Paris. Vin Crosbie says  "The revenue generated from a print reader is 20 to 100 times more than the revenue generated by the user of a newspaper's website. To put it another way, for every print edition reader lost, the newspaper would have to gain between 20 and 100 website users to replace the lost revenues

 

Here’s a statement of the obvious from Daniel Okrent, former NY Times ombudsman:

Blogs will overcome mainstream media as a source of news unless traditional media organizations successfully transfer the integrity of their brands onto the Internet, the former ombudsman of The New York Times says.

Is the game already over? A number of newspapers are stumbling in their efforts to incorporate blogs into their coverage maps, because they are hung up with old rules of workflow and editing. I particularly like the one newspaper that has separate blogging systems-- one for staffers (reporters and columnists) and another for consumer contributors. Who dreamed up that IT nightmare?

The window for newspapers is rapidly closing. The social community notions of Web 2.0 fall smack in the middle of what most newspaper used to be about. Get with it, or get out of the way.

Free Wi Fi with some level of sponsorship is the future. I think I’ve mentioned it on this blog many times. Newspapers MUST get into this act. Imagine a free Wi Fi service on a commuter train with an ad strip (as mentioned for the Sunnyvale deal) or even a branded strip (ala Film Loop) that runs across the bottom of the screen that has the latest news headlines from the "paper." Information providers better move fast because there is going to be only so much real estate available on the screen of free Wi Fi users.

Maybe I am prejudiced as a former newspaper reporter, columnist and digital media exec, but I say you can never count the print guys out. Yeah, yeah.. I know I am cheerleading, but take a look at the new TV-video effort from The Virginian-Pilot (a Landmark Communications company). It’s cool and light years ahead of others in their sector. Keep in mind, though, Landmark was way ahead of the pack back in the early ‘90s in the world of newspaper voice and then Internet services. From an innovation standpoint, this effort then is no big surprise.

Ouch. The downward spiral continues. What's going to happen short term is interesting; seems to me the print product will get smaller and more emphasis will be placed on the Web-based channel. Sadly, it's difficult to imagine the Web ever generating enough revenue to support a typical infrastructure-heavy print business. It's not a pretty picture.

Good news: all of those out of work journalists likely will create great blogs (not to mention Podcasts) and make more money than they ever did as newspaper employees.

Five newspapers owned by Tribune Co., including the company's two flagship papers in Chicago and Los Angeles, said Wednesday they will cut jobs amid declining circulation and revenue.

 

 

The for sale sign is headed for Knight Ridder's newspaper properties. Who is likely to buy the papers? Here's a wild guess...Yahoo! or Google. Both companies can use their powerful online business to fuel a newspaper company, but in a greatly reduced form. Leveraging the print channel for ads as an add-on to the Web (there's a novel concept) could work, but not with all the reporters, editors, presses, unuions, trucks, etc.. that would come with the deal.

It's a long shot, but don't rule it out.

It looks like Knight Ridder's largest shareholder wants the company on the auction block. Could be just a scare tactic, but if not, it will send ripples through publishers' executive suites worldwide.

 

Mike and I ponder the plight of Judth Miller and credibility issues surrounding reporters and blogger-reporters. Can software replace editors in determining quality of content and reliability of sources? Also, we touch on the New Times' purchase of the venerable Village Voice.

(excuse the lousy audio editing...My skill set is video editing)

This quote from the Washington Post on citizen journalism. Think the company is feeling the pressure from the success of Backfence?

"Can't tell you when, but we're working on a handful of other ways to engage users, and among them is allowing for submission of content from outside sources. But there are a lot of details to be worked out before we're ready to go live."

The New York Times gets creative in reaching readers with an ineterst in entertainment using a targeted channel. Very clever idea.

The New York Times is launching a movie magazine that will be distributed at Loews Cineplex Theaters nationwide. The new OnMovies, a free, digest-size publication, will repackage the paper's reviews and culture coverage. The Times is paying Loews to distribute the new title.

I remember when the SJ Merc was so full of ads the carriers could barely toss it to the doorstep. Now, the news is not so great:

The San Jose Mercury News is cutting 60 positions, including 52 newsroom jobs, through buyouts and possible layoffs. "This is a painful but necessary step," says executive editor Susan Goldberg. The cuts come as the entire newspaper industry struggles with declining revenue and circulation.

I am missing something. I truly think that Associated Press’ new asap service is quite interesting, but my concern is that newspaper clients won’t understand how best to exploit/implement the product. Like other AP products, it’s a mix of content that is put in the hands of newspaper editors to use at their discretion as part of their mix. Certainly, editors have decades of experience on using AP-generated pictures, stories, features, etc…

 

I wonder (out loud) is there a “suggested uses” of asap that come with the product? No two papers are organized in the same fashion regarding their online products. Take my word for it. For some folks in the online newspaper world, the creative ideas will flow on how best to exploit asap…for others, well, they will be clueless.

 

This raises the issue of whether AP ever will decide to offer asap directly to the younger readers for whom this product is targeted. At that point, the AP business model changes and it becomes a competitor to the market it has been serving for seemingly forever.

In speaking with some newspaper folks yesterday, it came to my attention that Craiglists is having an impact on newspaper classifieds, but only in certain categories (debunking the notion of the commentary linked to this posting). It appears that where Craigslist shines is in "lower value" categories where products are relatively lower priced. It's possible that higher-priced items still do better in newspaper ads than on Craigslist.

Maybe newspapers can stop their fear and loathing and look more carefully at their classified ad sweet spot.

 

In my first pass through the new Saturday edition of The Wall Street Journal, I have nothing bad to say. On the other hand, I have nothing all the wonderful to say either. I like it, but there’s nothing that seems that different than its Friday edition which has a heavy accent on lifestyle content.

 

Saturdays are a tough day for newspapers. Over the years, dailies have tried some innovative features to make the Saturday edition stand out. My first newspaper, The Allentown Morning Call used to have a tabloid Saturday edition called The Weekender (maybe they still do). Anyway, it was loaded with arts and entertainment content, including detailed listings. It leads you to believe that a national newspaper, without local content, has its challenges in producing a Saturday edition.. Maybe it’s why USA Today doesn’t have a Saturday edition?

 

Well, I wish the WSJ luck. I am a diehard reader of “the daily diary of the America Dream.” Saturdays, perhaps I’d rather relax than dream.

From Frank Barnako's column. Signs of life at a major media incumbent--

The 157-year-old Associated Press will debut a newswire aimed at younger readers next Monday.

Ted Anthony, the editor of "asap," said a new staff of 20 journalists will offer original articles and "experiences" in multimedia formats including audio, video and blogs to reach 18- to 34-year-olds, the New York Times reported.

Anthony cautioned that the premium service, most likely to be used on newspapers' online editions, will not be an "alternative newswire." He said focus-group research has shown young readers want a sophisticated view of the world and want to be engaged, the Times added.

From 1980-1987, I had the dream job of writing a weekly sports broadcasting column at The Everett Herald. In addition to taking potshots at local sportscasting figures, I also had the privilege of interviewing some of the top national sportscatsers (as well as up and comers such as Bob Costas and Chris Berman). Among the nicest and most professional of the big guys was Chris Schenkel, a classy ABC sports stalwart. I remember speaking with him on the phone for an hour from his home in Indiana. Schenkel was an icon from the ABC Wide World of Sports days and an era without slomotion instant replays and myriad camera angles. It was an era when economy of language that bristled with insight was far more important that hubbub about team squabbles and police blotter activities. Schenkel will be missed.

In the midst of the plight facing our nation, I found great humor in the Fall Preview issue of everyone’s favorite TV weekly. I hung up the keyboard as a newspaper TV critic more than 15 years ago, but I watch with great amusement as the roster of new shows makes its way to the consumer each Fall. This year is a special one. No, not in programming, but in the rapid countdown to oblivion facing commercial TV, and the end of a business that perpetuates itself with planned obsolescence.

 

As I leaf through the guide, I note the return of Angie Harmon and Holly Robinson Peete. Both are/were married to pro football players, now well past their prime. The football players, that is. I never was clear why Harmon left “Law and Order,” but she’s back and NBC has her. Peete is on UPN on a show about wingwomen. Seriously. Those are women who take guys out on dates in an effort for them (the guys, that is) to meet other women. Difficult to explain, but I did see wingwomen as a theme on a “CSI Miami” episode. TV can be educational.

 

Michael Rappaport who was in a bunch of Woody Allen movies and the underrated film, “Beautiful Girls,” as well as “Cop Land,” is in a show called “The War at Home.” Bow wow. There’s also a show called “Kitchen Confidential,” based on the book of the same name. The book was written by Anthony Bourdain (a fav in our house) of Food TV and Travel Channel fame. Sadly, the show is a wobbler, probably only marginally better than Emeril’s ill-fated sitcom.

 

Neil Patrick Harris, who was a teen star as “Doogie Howser” has a new sitcom called “How I Met Your Mother.” Harris, who was outstanding in “Harold and Kumar go to White Castle”, seemed destined for more outrageous things than a tame comedy. His former Doogie Howser co-star Max Casella was brave enough to step out and take a role on “Sopranos” as a murderous sidekick to Paulie Walnuts. (as well as Tony’s latest driver).

 

Personally, I am rooting for a new show called “Out of Practice.” It’s on CBS at 9:30 p.m. on Monday (I think that makes it a lead-in to “CSI: Miami”). It stars Henry Winkler who not only is funny, but one of the most level-headed, self-effacing talents in Hollywood. And how can you not love his role as Coach Klein in “Waterboy?” I am hoping he has a hit on his hands.

 

But what did I know? I panned “Cheers” as the worst TV show on NBC the year it launched. You never can tell.

Wherein Allen and Mike try to understand the effect of Katrina on the NO media. Will papers make a permanent jump to all digital -- or primarily digital -- by necessity?

 

I wonder—was I better off in the ‘60s when I could see in a minute-by-minute sequence the horrors of Vietnam and the frightening inner-city turmoil of race riots across the nation? I saw Dan Rather and Walter Cronkite and their peers serve me filtered casualty reports. I saw those flags behind Dan Rather list the number of dead with surrealistic body counts; when our numbers were less than the other guys, I felt good. But I was 10 and our TV has three channels. There was no Web. For that matter, there were no computers. In fact, it took a minute for my family’s black & white TV to warm up. Were those the days?

 

Or, is it today, where I have three PCs running as well as two TVs, one playing inside one of my PCs. I got to blogs to see first hand accounts—pictures and stories. I see unfiltered news and pictures and videos from the front lines. I see some guy on CNN proclaim it’s darned near the end of the world. If I were 10 years old today, what would I be thinking?

 

I have mostly applause for the media coverage of Hurricane Katrina; it’s been fairly honest and through, although I believe the networks must label LIVE TV shots from looped shots. I saw that guy being carried away in a bucket by a helicopter 100 times yesterday. Was it live, or Memorex ®? The TV-Web fusion creates enough of a confusion of place and time; we need our media to be accurate in its labeling.

 

Lastly, I want the Times-Picayune, the print voice of New Orleans to use technology to create a digital newspaper. They need to use Extensis’ Deja-Vu technology or Zinio to get a “newspaper” put together without a printing press. It would help add context to the outpouring of soul-less content flooding the channel.

More evidence in the trend we've been talking about for a few years: newspapers will be forced to do the same amount of work (or more) with less resources. Some challenge!

Newsday Expected to Cut Jobs

Newsday expects to launch a new round of job cuts because of lower circulation, some employees of the newspaper say they were told Wednesday. The cuts would include newsroom staff and are expected to especially impact the New York edition of the Long Island-based paper

The LAWeekly has a story today that is either a bombshell or a blinding flash of the obvious, depending on your position in the digital media world as it applies to the future of newspaper publishing.

Expect more, not less, of this in the coming months...

 

 

This could be an exciting move that, at first, might be met with some objection and inconsistency but, over time, could be fascinating. Sure is a boost for technology providers who want to build communications capabilities into camers and video camers as well as a shot in the arm for cell phone manufacturers. If could email my video clips after I shot them, I'd be rather excited.

CBS Recruits Citizen Journalists

CBSNews.com plans to solicit submission of video news clips from the public, a move that has burgeoned following citizen coverage of the London bombings via cellphone. "There will be an email address and drop where people can send stuff," says CBS Digital Media head Larry Kramer.

At long last, the hiatus is over. Allen's back from vacation.

In today's MADCAST, Allen and Mike engage in rampant speculation regarding NewsCorp's future after its purchase of Intermix and the company's announcement of an Internet division to handle online business for its sports, news and entertainment properties.

Why it seems like just yesterday that we were reading about Rupert Murdoch telling his fellow captains of the media industry and the Internet was changing everything...

 

Time agrees to turn over the private notes of its reporter. As former newspaper reporters, we look at the implications for writers moving forward. And what does this mean to a budding crop of Citizen Journalists?

Something like... "It's deja vu all over again."

I lived through the San Francisco newspaper strike in 1994. In fact, we launched The Gate during the strike. The details of what happened are closely held, and I'd prefer to leave it that way.

Nonetheless, I hope there is no strike this time; the one I went through was U-G-L-Y. However, the issues on the table (including new media use of content) are significant.

Good luck!

Vandalism? Why couldn't the LA Times have hired an army of interns to screen postings? Think there's a shortage of young j-school students who wouldn't work at the paper for free?

 

One of my hometown newspapers, The Philadelphia Daily News, has started a Podcast. They claim to be the first newspaper doing such a tech product. Not so. It's good nonetheless.

 

 

The key for newspapers is that they need to stop thinking like newspapers. Is that possible?

Nearly one-fifth of Web users who read newspapers now prefer online to offline editions, according to a new study from Internet audience measurement company Nielsen//NetRatings

Read below... Mike and I believe that riffed, experienced journalists will emerge to create blogs that compete with their former employers.

 

 

By Mark Jurkowitz, Globe Staff  |  June 11, 2005

Two months after Boston Herald publisher Patrick J. Purcell said he was seeking deep newsroom cuts in an effort to find $7 million in savings at the financially troubled tabloid, a massive exodus is in full swing -- one that involves some of the paper's best known and most seasoned journalists.

According to Herald managers and union officials, 30 to 35 of the 145 unionized newsroom staff members have already left or are expected to leave soon. The vast majority have applied for a buyout, and a handful were laid off. The same managers and officials also estimate that 10 to 12 of the paper's 52 nonunion newsroom employees -- editors, columnists, and staff members working under contract -- will have departed by the end of the month. A small number of employees recently left voluntarily, without being laid off or taking a buyout.

The buyout packages offered by the Herald gave its departing journalists a monetary settlement based largely on their years of service at the company. The situation remains fluid, because some staff members whose buyout applications were accepted have not formally ratified their deals.