Results tagged “business” from eHub

Chances are you've already heard or read that journalism is dead.

Newspapers are going down the toilet, print is dying and journalists are losing their jobs.

Well, despite any numbers about the business of journalism, I happen to sincerely disagree with the statement that journalism is dead.

Journalism is changing, and of course, with its change will come a change in the business behind the journalism industry.

If people aren't buying newspapers anymore, advertisers need to look into online ads. If consumers are getting information from sites like Twitter or Facebook, news sources need to connect their names to Twitter accounts. The same is true for the business that keeps new sources running.

The business needs to adjust and that adaptation is beginning now.

The Online Journalism Blog has an interesting blog about how media business models need to change. In its change, the blog highlights three main ideas: (1) readers are worth less (or in other words, advertising is cheaper), (2) content is free and (3) the realization that you don't own the platform.

The biggest change in the journalism industry right now is that journalism is becoming a conversation. 10,000words.net blogger Mark S. Luckie constantly includes this idea in his thoughts.

Citizen journalism can help "real journalists" tell stronger stories with more accurate information.

I'm not getting a degree in journalism, and I don't know much about business. But I do know that the bigwigs who run news outlets need to recognize the change happening now and adjust.

In summary, I reach a little deeper into my pocket because of my social convictions, because I know and trust the producers of certain products and because of the quality of the expensive product is just better. Those are three reasons that people should consider paying for great news service like that of the New York Times.

Millions of readers tune in to the New York Times every day. It is a trusted source that has only embraced the challenges of the advent of technology by treating their readers to videos, photos, slideshows, interactive graphics and audio. Currently, any reader with internet access can view these treasures for free. But is that the best idea for the company?

In Romanescko's last entry on PoynterOnline, he suggested this unique business model for the New York Times. He suggested that with just a $1 a month (or 3.3 cents a day) contribution from its visitors, the Times could earn $240 million in new annual revenue. 

In this age of struggling newspapers, Romanescko's plan may be more than a business model for the Times, it may be a lifeline.

So, in conclusion, I want to say--why not? Shouldn't we be willing to pay for the press that is the best of the best? I know that it's worth it to me. I'll make the small sacrifice to enjoy the freedom of having a press that I can trust.  If my 3.3 cents a day protects transmission of knowledge, and therefore democracy, than I am game. 

In a week, I will walk down the hill as a graduate of the University of Kansas with a journalism degree.  I know I should be proud of my accomplishment, but lately I've been asking myself: How much is a journalism degree worth these days?