10 steps to save the newspaper

Feb 19, 2009 - Posted by Kirk LaPointe

Morten Rand-Hendricksen, in his Design Is Philosophy blog, has created a sound, 10-point list to save the newspaper.

There are few surprises in his list, but it's a thorough entry point for anyone trying to get a good understanding of the industry challenges.

The summarized points:
1. Put it all online.
2. Be more visual.
3. Offer readers a way to connect.
4. Add value with online-only or print-only features.
5. Produce a weekend magazine.
6. Create innovative services outside of the box.
7. Connect with experts.
8. Start a poetry contest.
9. Let everyone be a critic.
10. Become a broadcaster.

There is a slight contradiction in points one and four in suggesting print-only added-value. But most newsrooms I know are doing most of these things --- except poetry, and I guess we should all be reflecting on that idea.

Comments

Submitted by Mike Aiken (not verified) on February 24, 2009 - 2:02pm.

If I wanted to be a broadcaster, I wouldn't be in print, especially with a mug like mine. Seriously, we've tried many of the above in our small-market. Generally, we're simply recycling a lot of the same content in different products. Since our reporters and editors are disappearing through attrition some readers can see the same item three times. It's also nice to talk about a weekend tabloid magazine, except the editorial holes in our daily are actually larger, so there's more space. I'm not sure about the poetry contest, but I'd be a fan of the old-fashioned serial, particularly if we ran it during the summer months. A nice read for the back porch in cottage country.

Comment Policy

J-Source invites comments on any content items or on any other topics relevant to journalism. Those posting comments are expected to adhere to standards of accuracy and fairness that would be recognized by those who practise, teach or study journalism.

Comments are restricted to registered users. You must register with your full first and last name in order to be eligible to comment.
Please communicate as effectively and intelligently as you would in a professional or academic forum, focusing on the issues at hand rather than the characters or characteristics of those involved.
This forum is intended for discussion of the craft of journalism, not of the issues of the day that journalists cover; please do not post story tips or press releases.
We moderate the forum for adherence to these standards of discourse, and reserve the right to decline any comment or restrict any user from commenting without giving reasons. Every effort is made to approve valid comments within 24 hours of submission.

10 steps to save the newspaper

Comments

Comment Policy

News & Views

Advice & Resources

Education & Research

Rights & Wrongs

J-Topics

Recent Posts

Recent comments

Opinion: The National Newspaper Awards don't reflect journalism in the digital era

Neil Reynolds remembered

Opinion: Media's latest stories on Toronto's Mayor Ford a challenge for a court fight

			Support J-Source


		Best online-only article or series