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 Pergam, vice president of video and new ventures, who says a big part of fostering innovation is emphasizing key components common at entrepreneurial startups. He offers four tips for how news organizations can better encourage innovation.

Reporting by Rachel Wise and Hailey Godburn

For more information:

• McClatchy publishes 29 daily newspapers across 14 states.
  In 2015, McClatchy announced plans for a company-wide overhaul and major shift to its publishing process. The plans came after the company spent six months talking directly to readers to learn about their news habits.
• One of McClatchy’s biggest investments is in video. The company has a central team based in the Washington, D.C., bureau; a team of video producers and social media experts on their Real-Time Desk; and the Sandbox team, which “hosts developers and video journalists who are pioneering immersive storytelling techniques.”
• Andrew Pegram was recently named vice president of video and new ventures, a change from his previous role as head of video and director of Washington operations. Prior to McClatchy, Pergam led video efforts at The Washington Post.

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