THE HOME OF SOCIAL TV

City council tries to envision future of newspapers

Posted by Cory Bergman on January 29, 2009

With the Seattle PI just a few weeks from shutting down its printing press — and perhaps the entire operation — Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata brought a council committee together today to talk about the future of newspapers in a soon-to-be one newspaper town. While I applaud Licata for tackling the complex topic — and giving people a forum to talk about it — I about fell out of my chair while I watched the live stream of the event at my desk. The vast majority of the discussion missed the point, straying into common misconceptions and old-school thinking about journalism in a new connected world. Finally, WestSeattleBlog‘s Tracy Record and Crosscut.com‘s David Brewster got their few minutes at the microphone.

Licata introduces them, “Editors, writers, producers, what do you call yourselves?”

“Journalists,” Record says, who runs arguably the most successful neighborhood news site in the country.

While Record and Brewster did a great job representing online news, the council proceeded to stray all over the place with questions that, out of fairness, represent the thinking of some people in the local news business. So without further ado, I’ve selected a few and added my own responses…

1. How will we save newspapers?

As Record told the council committee, newspapers are a delivery model. What needs saving is journalism, not newspapers. Arguing about saving newspapers and their large staffs misses the point: their business model is antiquated and did not adapt to a new reality. So let’s figure out how to create new sustainable business models that result in quality local journalism. Let’s think of ways to reinvent newspapers from the ground up online. Let’s focus our energy there instead of hearing ourselves talk about the institution of journalism and the good old days.

2. Ok, how do we keep all these journalists employed?

Still, wrong question. It’s easy to fall into the trap that the only way to produce quality journalism is for traditional media companies to fund large staffs of full-time journalists. The Seattle PI is considering going entirely online with a small staff, but the council committee (and the newspaper guilds, of course) didn’t seemed too interested in exploring that as a solution. After all, how can the quality of journalism be maintained when dozens of journalists are let go? Here are a few ideas worth exploring: content-sharing arrangements, pooling (do we really need 15 journalists at a press conference?), short-form “as it happens” reporting, networked neighborhood news sites (more on that in a second), freelance journalist networks, focused citizen contribution, empowered community conversation, etc. Sure, I think we’d all love to have large staffs of journalists, but it’s not an economic reality and not a viable strategy moving forward. So let’s move on and get creative.

3. “We had better start asking questions and realizing that the loss of the P-I, among others, would be a staggering loss to our community and a direct assault on the American people’s right to know.” (That’s from Congressman Jim McDermott.)

First of all, there’s the Seattle Times, four TV newsrooms and an all-news radio station in town. Then there’s two dozen neighborhood news sites, a dozen neighborhood newspapers, two alt weeklies with aggressive websites and a handful of niche news sites like Crosscut.com and the Puget Sound Business Journal, to name a few. People now go directly to national sites like msnbc.com for their national and international news. And whatever vacuum is created by the loss of the PI (and potentially the Times, as it’s in deep financial trouble) — just like any industry before it — will be filled by existing competitors and new start-ups.

4. So what about all these “blogs.” Are they “professional journalists?” How do we know they’re accurate? They might hear an explosion and post that “we’ve been bombed.” (Yes, that was a quote from a councilmember.)

This is when I about fell out of my chair. Seattle, as I’ve written before, is on the cutting edge of online neighborhood news with over two dozen sites and counting. (Please note these neighborhood sites are not like most neighborhood blogs: we actively cover the news.) About half of these are from people who have worked as traditional journalists at some point over their careers, like Tracy Record and me. The others, like Amber Campbell of RainierValleyPost, taught herself journalism, covering her lower-income, high-crime neighborhood with a depth and conviction that no newspaper or TV station in town can match. After all, when there’s a gang shooting, TV stations go live at 11 p.m. and drop the story the next day. Campbell hits the street in her own neighborhood, talks to families and looks for answers. Is she not a professional journalist? Hell yes, she is.

Brewster put it this way to the council: “Relax a bit.”

Because at the end of the day, neighborhood news sites that stretch the truth will alienate their audiences and become insignificant. The ones that get it right will grow in credibility, loyalty and audience.

5. These neighborhood news sites are “entertaining…”

WestSeattleBlog and many other neighborhood news sites in Seattle, like the site run by my wife and me, MyBallard.com, feature straightforward, issue-driven original coverage. But we also cover new restaurants, quirky neighborhood events and the occasional lost pet. We have a lower threshold of news, covering the small stuff in a couple lines. That’s why people come to us: for down-the-street content they can’t get anywhere else, because the newspapers and TV stations aren’t covering it.

5. “…but I haven’t seen you out here covering the city council.” (A councilmember directing a question to Record).

When you think about it, if every major Seattle neighborhood has a neighborhood news site (at the current rate, it will within a year) the unique daily stories produced in aggregate would be greater than both the Seattle Times and the PI combined (because those two papers overlap on a large number of stories). The breadth of coverage is greater, but you could argue there’s a gap here: in-depth and/or investigative stories associated with city hall, state government, etc. So you might imagine a streamlined, online-only newspaper that focuses on “core” beat coverage, leaving the neighborhood news sites to cover the “spokes” of neighborhood news and issues. And as I wrote on Lost Remote several months ago, you might imagine some intersection of the two. Or, perhaps the neighborhood news sites pool their resources to share freelance beat reporters. Hmmm.

And for the record, Record has covered the city council.

6. How can newspapers reinvent themselves online? Do neighborhood news sites have a sustainable business model? How might all this come together?

They didn’t ask those questions. But they should have. Instead, one participant bemoaned the “loss of the public sphere,” which was downright hilarious given the fact the meeting was being streamed live as well as live-blogged on a popular Seattle site. And the fact that Record had her laptop open, Twittering back and forth with a few folks in the audience and me, sitting at my desk. Loss of the public sphere? To the contrary. Media coverage of the past was closed-loop and out-of-reach and exclusive, severely less public than today. But as one co-worker suggested to me today, perhaps politicians feel threatened by the explosion of media voices: they can track and respond to a half-dozen news organizations — people and brands they know — but what happens when there’s hundreds of bloggers and thousands of tweets flying all over the place? Who’s “professional?” It moves fast. Too fast to “manage.” But democracy will live on. In fact, it will only get stronger.

As far as whether neighborhood news sites have a sustainable business model, I’m hopeful. The WestSeattleBlog is generating enough revenue to cover two full-time people and hire freelancers. Some argue it’s an anomaly, but our MyBallard.com network is growing leaps and bounds. After all, neighborhood news sites — which provide a layer of journalism over an empowered community — have an extremely low cost footprint, have an avid base of contributors, drive a large number of pageviews from user-submitted content, are developing quality business relationships with small businesses and most of all, are extremely relevant and truly unique.

Of course, there are many other ideas besides neighborhood news sites. That’s what we should be talking about, asking ourselves time and time again, is there a sustainable business model here? How can we leverage technology to connect an audience with local businesses in deeply meaningful ways? Because that’s the journalism problem that needs to be solved.

I’ll end with a moment of Zen. A quote fragment from Licata:

“I could register 50 hits with a physical newspaper.”

(Full disclosure: I was invited to speak at this event, but due to the last-minute nature of the request with my busy schedule, I was unable to attend.)

  • http://bmamodified.com/ organic plug

    If you are like a lot of people you can simply overlook this. The best thing you can do is become relevant with yourself and faithful with your own morals. This will lead to a sad and unfulfilling life.

  • http://www.kambu.czeladz.pl/inne_86/ webbie 2010

    Well written. You have a nice blog. Thank you for posting.

  • http://www.hairstyles2012.org/haircuts-2012-for-round-faces/ haircuts 2012 for round faces

    Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.

  • http://www.one-int.com One International

    Thanks for making the trustworthy attempt to speak about this. I feel very sturdy about it and would like to learn more. If it’s OK, as you acquire extra in depth knowledge, may you mind including extra articles similar to this one with additional info? It would be extremely useful and useful for me and my friends.

  • http://kermit9simpson.tripod.com/fishburnemovies/ montana fishburne sex tape pics

    great tips! thanks!

  • http://www.tanzaniasafarisafrica.com Tanzania safari

    If you are like a lot of people you can simply overlook this. Don’t give up your morals for anything. Generally this will lead to a mistaken and unproductive life.

  • http://www.financenewstoday.com/calculators/acc-debt-payoff.php debt payoff calculator

    This is tough. I’m not calling you out though, I think it is everyone else out there that isn’t taking notice.

  • http://lopezwebconsulting.com/ affordable custom web design

    I’m curious if you ever have problems with what people post? Honestly the internet used to be like a different place, recently though it has turned around. What do you think?

  • http://www.a23zer3f4s33g3a.com Avery Stakemann

    You have noted very interesting details ! ps nice internet site .

  • http://www.trannybabes.info/ Shemale sex

    Deference to post author, some superb information .

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMMA-3yePCM Do It Yourself SEO

    Hey, thanks for sharing… I always look forward to reading your posts… one of the few blogs I still follow!

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXZ5UW2xW30 how are youtube views counted

    No Advertisement Please: Give your video watchers valuation for the watch. Do not turn it into a spammy.

  • http://huntingtonca.com/cuisinart/cuisinart-csk-150-1500-watt-nonstick-oval-electric-skillet cuisinart csk 150

    I’m even now learning from you, as I’m trying to attain my goals. I truly liked reading everything that is written on your website.Keep the stories coming. I enjoyed it!

  • http://www.ebfreebies.com 3gs iphone

    It’s pretty interesting that the mainstream media has changed the way it looks at this recently dont you think? What used to neve be brought up or discussed has changed. Frankly it is about time we see a change.

  • http://kendra-sextape.wetpaint.com/ hugh hefner kendra wilkinson

    you should post more often…

  • http://brightestflashlights.com/articles/surefire-6p/ rechargeable lights

    Have you noticed the news has changed its approach recently? What used to neve be brought up or discussed has changed. Frankly it is about time we see a change.

  • http://huntingtonca.com/kitchenaid/kitchenaid-kp26m1xdp-professional-600-series-6-quart-stand-mixer-dark-pewter kitchenaid kp26m1xdp

    Its Pleasure to realize your blog.The more than posts is relatively extraordinary, and I very enjoyed reading your blog and elements that you simply expressed. I quite like to seem back on a regular basis,post far more within the topic.Thanks for sharing…keep writing!!!

  • http://huntingtonca.com/wilton/wilton-570-1121-easy-flex-3-piece-silicone-spatula-set wilton 570 1121

    Its Pleasure to understand your blog.The more than content is relatively extraordinary, and I quite enjoyed reading your blog and items that you just expressed. I quite like to seem back over a normal basis,post far more in the topic.Thanks for sharing…keep writing!!!

  • http://www.onlinebingochief.com Online USA Bingo

    Ah, appreciate it for the mention , I’m highly honoured :)

  • http://sheriupwlo.com/ Dionna Bergsma

    Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by a mile. It’s a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I’m not sure I’d want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.

  • http://www.silver-quote.com/ silver bullion

    Sometimes I question the internet and what is posted? Honestly the internet used to be like a different place, although it seems to be changing for the better. What are your thoughts?

  • http://www.squidoo.com/freenintendo3ds- free nintendo 3ds

    This is a good subject to talk about. Sometimes I fav stuff like this on Redit. This article probably won’t do well with that crowd. I’ll take a look around your site though and submit something else.

  • http://online-casinotest.com/ online casinos

    20 ¶ And Noah began to be a husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:

  • http://www.feedlisting.com/rss-feed-url/380037.html Allen Morck

    very nice post. Thanks for posting

  • http://articlemarketing.intodit.com/ Cristobal Daluz

    nice work indeed. Subscribing to your feeds

  • http://crazyupload.net/ Crazyupload

    Nice post and very well written. Thanks for this!

  • http://www.kardashian-tape.com/the-ray-j-tape-made-kim-career/ kim kardashian sex tape where to watch

    Good Stuff, do you have a flickr account?

  • http://huntingtonca.com/aroma/aroma-ahg-2233-dual-flip-100-square-inch-grill-and-griddle-with-6-raclette-trays aroma ahg 2233 dual flip

    I cherished what you’ve got performed here. The format is stylish, your written material elegant. Nonetheless, you’ve got obtained an edginess to what you’ll be providing the next. Ill unquestionably come back once again but once again in your superb deal much much more should you guard this up. Dont do away with hope if not at the exact same time numerous males and women see your imaginative and prescient vision, know you may have attained a fan appropriate the subsequent who beliefs what you can have received to say and the way you’ve got presented by yourself. Incredibly superior on you!

  • http://twindowncomfortershop.com/jay-franco/disneys-cars-comforter-twin disneys cars comforter twin

    When are you going to post again? You incredibly inform a lot of people!

  • http://huntingtonca.com/uncategorized/breadman-20274b2500c-03-breadmaker-paddle breadman 20274b2500c

    Hello from Russia! Need to it be simple for me to pages and use a submit within your weblog using the link to you? I’ve tried emailing you regarding this problem even so it appears i cant achieve you, please response as soon as have a moment, thanks.

  • http://huntingtonca.com/edgecraft-2/edgecraft-610-chefs-choice-premium-electric-food-slicer edgecraft 610 chefs choice

    I cherished what you have got performed here. The format is stylish, your written material elegant. Nonetheless, you’ve got obtained an edginess to what you’ll be providing the next. Ill unquestionably arrive back again but once again in your superb deal significantly additional should you guard this up. Dont do away with hope if not at the exact same time several males and women see your imaginative and prescient vision, know you are able to have attained a fan proper the subsequent who beliefs what it is possible to have received to say and the way you’ve got presented by yourself. Very superior on you!

  • http://huntingtonca.com/west-bend/west-bend-6111-heart-smart-indoor-grill-black west bend 6111

    I was owning dilemma not considering of some business opportunities, so I began looking for some unusual blogs. I enjoyed your blog and it helped me relax.

  • http://kelvin86huff.typepad.com/blog/2010/12/watch-full-karissa-shannon-sex-tape.html my video

    Thanks, my group has been looking for this kind of stuff.

  • http://huntingtonca.com/sanyo-fisher/sanyo-hps-sg3-200-square-inch-electric-indoor-barbeque-grill-black sanyo hps sg3

    When are you heading to write-up again? You incredibly inform a lot of people!

  • http://l89.org/hamilton-beach/hamilton-beach-personal-cup-one-cup-pod-brewer hamilton beach personal cup

    Its Pleasure to realize your blog.The more than articles is pretty extraordinary, and I really enjoyed reading your blog and points that you just expressed. I extremely like to look back on a standard basis,post a lot more inside the topic.Thanks for sharing…keep writing!!!

  • http://huntingtonca.com/salton/deluxe-breadmaker deluxe breadmaker

    Just need to say this blog is really good. I always like to find out something new about this since I have the similar blog in my Country on this subject so this help´s me a lot. I did a research on a theme and discovered a good quantity of blogs but practically nothing like this.Thanks for sharing so a lot inside your blog.

  • http://l89.org/presto/presto-04821-orville-redenbacher-hot-air-corn-popper presto 04821

    How did you make this blog site appear this cool! Email me if you want and share your wisdom. I’d be thankful.

  • http://bit.ly/h0IOwz Led computer monitors

    The core of your writing whilst appearing reasonable originally, did not settle well with me personally after some time. Someplace within the sentences you were able to make me a believer unfortunately just for a very short while. I still have a problem with your jumps in logic and you would do well to help fill in those breaks. When you can accomplish that, I would undoubtedly be impressed.

  • http://bathroomsminehead.com/category/bathroom-tiles Yasmine Hobday

    Thanks for the inteligent post about this issue – most of the things you’ve mentioned I was never aware of before.

  • http://perlaneagra4.insanejournal.com/398.html Capri Anderson

    hi, what is the theme you are using?

  • http://bit.ly/f3Xunx Best flat screen computer monitors

    The very root of your writing while sounding reasonable in the beginning, did not really sit properly with me after some time. Somewhere throughout the sentences you actually were able to make me a believer unfortunately just for a while. I nevertheless have a problem with your leaps in logic and you would do nicely to fill in those breaks. In the event that you can accomplish that, I could definitely end up being amazed.

  • http://judemontag.vv.ru/2010/12/22/buying-rainwater-boots-are-wellies-the-same-as-rainwater-boots North Face Vest

    Thanks for sharing this excellent post, i really love your blog, but i have some issue i dont know whether it’s my side issue or in your site? some words of the submit on your blog have charactor encoding issue, yes i use auto detecting, can u pls appear into this issue a bit?

  • http://www.cheapjordanshoe.cc/air-jordan-13-c-13.html air jordan 13

    I’ll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)

  • http://jonessam.wikidot.com/kardashian-video kim kardashian sex tape with singer ray j

    hi, what is the theme you are using?

  • http://es.video.yahoo.com/people/8839868 increase youtube views mozilla

    Describe: Describe your videos in excellent details. Do not turn into lazy here. Exhibit your viewers you’re serious about generating videos. Rule of thumb, more, the merrier.

  • http://hearinglosstreatment.weebly.com/hearing-damage.html reverse hearing loss

    There is apparently a bundle to realize about this. I suppose you made some nice points in features also.

  • http://www.jordansforsale.cc/Air-Jordan-6-6/ air jordan 6

    A year’s plan starts with spring.A young idler, an old beggar.

  • http://www.squidoo.com/classic-series-air-jordan-3-shoes air jordan 3 shoes

    Every man has his faults.Every man has his hobbyhorse.

  • http://www.creatix.in/support.php Creatix Web Hosting

    This really is such a excellent resource that you simply are supplying and you give it away for free of charge. I found it on AOL

  • http://getmoreviews.net/ youtube subspace emissary walkthrough

    Is there a secret they know, that you cannot figure out? These are a few of primary optimization s to get much more YouTube views: