Monday 2 November 2009

Newsquest parent says web and not daily papers are primary medium for breaking news

Gannett, the US publisher that owns Newsquest in the UK, has drawn up a list of "content prioritie," which have been obtained by Editor & Publisher. They include a recognition that "the daily newspaper is not a breaking news medium" while websites "are the primary medium for breaking news".
They were presented by Kate Marymont, vice president/news for Gannett's community publishing division, which includes all of its daily papers except USA Today. She says: "We have asked [editors] to use them as a guide as they develop their strategic plans. It is almost a statement of philosophy rather than a template they have to fill out."
The "content priorities" include:
Improve Watchdog Journalism: Recognise the value of unique, revelatory journalism; review resources to ensure adequate allocation to watchdog work; experiment with delivery systems; and look for partnerships and other creative sources of watchdog content.
Reposition the Daily Newspaper: Recognise that the newspaper is not a breaking-news medium; Develop unique content tied to community interests and focused on delivering depth, context, analysis, perspective; Produce local content that differentiates us as a media organization; and "get our swagger back."
Reposition Our Web sites: Recognise that our Web sites are the primary medium for breaking news; ensure the Web site is distinct from the newspaper; Address Web design, content, functionality and utility; Leverage the strengths of the medium; and explore consumer response to various paid content models and possible vendor partnerships.
Sunday Readership and Engagement: Create a content strategy to attract younger readers; Protect high-value content for loyal Boomer readers; Invest in sales and marketing resources to grow engagement in key demographics and geographic audiences: Leverage advertising opportunities around the special value of Sundays.
Be Strong Community Leaders: Protect our long tradition of helping our communities solve issues, set visions, right wrongs; Preserve strong editorial voices in print while reflecting our changing audiences; solidify our role in the center of digital community conversations by leveraging all possible platforms; Be forces for positive change, when appropriate."
Wonder if the "priorities" will be introduced at Newsquest.

2 comments:

Rich Simcox said...

"Wonder if the 'priorities' will be introduced at Newsquest."

Probably not if it costs any money.

Rich Simcox said...

Sorry, 'they cost', not 'it costs'.