New Comm Biz

Newspaper editors aren’t happy with the changes in the Associated Press’ rate structure or the CEO’s comments that I mentioned here. With as valuable a service as they provide it seems to me like news papers and the AP are heading down separate paths. It will take some bold moves from some inovative papers (if there are any) to lead the way. But maybe big management changes would be in order first.

Of local interest to Boise:

– McClatchy: Employee buyouts by newspaper companies struggling with the economy and the industry’s structural problems stemming from the shift away from print to online. The NYT has been trying the buyout route before heading to layoffs

On my other blog I posted about the loss of our papers only tech/business reporter, leaving the Idaho Statesman with one business reporter. If major market papers are hurting mid market papers have to be mortally wounded.

Interestingly enough, I’ve seen reports that hyper local and small town papers are still doing very well. If you think about it though, small town papers share many similarities with blogs:

• Niche focused
• Author often knows the readers personally
• It’s easy for readers to provide feedback
• Feedback is welcome

Any other similarities I’m missing?

While papers have made small steps incorporating blogs and blog like features, I really think that Social Media and the Long Tail will provide the salvation papers are looking for.

Technorati Tags: Journalism, McClatchy, News Papers, Associated Press, Social Media,

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