Redefining local journalism: What is news?
Since the advent of the Internet, many people have increasingly wondered: What is “news” in a universe of infinite information? What is a journalist’s role when anyone can publish a story and report the “Truth”? David Caswell, Executive Product Manager of BBC News Labs, asks the most urgent question of all: “Does society still need news publishers … Continued
Social enterprise leader urges local media to embrace the role of educator, anchor institution
Maurice Jones says running the Virginian-Pilot was one of the most fun jobs he’s ever had. That was years before the newspaper was sold to TRONC which was sold to Tribune Publishing which barely thwarted a takeover by the hedge fund Alden Global Capital, known for buying and pillaging local newspapers. Jones left the Pilot … Continued
Can pay-by-text micropayments become a viable revenue source for newspapers?
COVID-19 accelerated what we’ve known for some time: Newsrooms cannot rely on advertising. Now more than ever newsrooms need to grow reader revenue — soliciting direct support from their readers. We have subscriptions. A new study from the International News Media Association (INMA) found that 39% of digital news publishers across 33 countries charged for … Continued
Print archives show past impeachments. Where will we go to find the history being made today?
After Trump released a partial transcript of the call with Ukraine, Washington Post readers were treated to an almost exact parallel from 45 years ago. “That time Nixon released doctored transcripts during Watergate.”
Post Episode 14: Local news reporters expose government corruption, health concerns
In Episode 14, Post highlights reporting done by local news outlets that has made a difference for smaller communities often left out of the national news spotlight.
RJI Fellow wants to make media, tech companies more aware of need to preserve content
Nineteen of 21 news outlets weren’t doing anything to archive web content. A lack of awareness and action in this area has driven Neil Mara to leverage his industry experience and contacts to help find archiving solutions for media companies.
Missouri School of Journalism launches new investigative fellowship program to support authors
RJI to house new Watchdog Writers Group, which will provide stipends to authors as they work on in-depth print journalism projects.
Breaking News 3: New media myths
Breaking News is about the self-inflicted fractures breaking the news business. Previous posts were on malvertising and the ad-tech tax.
The Common Reader: A quirky corner on the internet
Dutch graduate students visited four U.S. journalism startups between December 2015 and February 2016 to observe how these entrepreneurs “make it work” and, in the process, redefine what it means to be a journalist. Their work is part of Beyond Journalism, a study of entrepreneurial journalism by 2015-2016 RJI Fellows Tamara Witschge and Mark Deuze, both journalism professors in the Netherlands.
FL#167: 4 tips for embracing startup culture in newsrooms
4 tips for fostering innovation through startup culture In recent years, the newspaper industry has suffered a series of blows — from consolidation to a shrinking workforce to declining ad revenues. But with these setbacks comes the opportunity for innovation and growth. McClatchy is one company that’s embraced that opportunity. We sat down with Andrew … Continued