Where Theory and Practice in Publishing Differ
18 Dec 2006 in Newspapers by GarrickWhile I expect a higher standard of reporting from anything run through a printing press and sent over the FM dial (between 88.3 and 91.1) it’s a rare occasion the higher standard is delivered.
In fact, I’m pretty sure, these publishers are actually structured to deliver a lower standard than the random teenager’s MySpace page; supported by big ad dollars, needing to support expensive infrastructure (equipment, full-time staff, benefits), writing at or below a 4th-grade level, artificially restricted newshole, etc.
This weekend, paging through the Sunday paper, I gave some thought to how I might change newspapers;
- Day 1: End all print publications.
- Day 2: Install a multi-blog network engine for all staff and community leaders.
- Day 3: Schedule free journalism courses in every neighborhood.
- Day 4: Use staff to curate and develop the larger stories - tying neighborhood reports together. With lots and lots of links, pictures, audio, and video.
ELSEWHERE:
“….Time is, separating themselves where there is no separation.” - Dave Winer
Mr. Kann’s 10 trends are dead on - though, I think they are all different shades of his first:
“The blurring of the lines between journalism and entertainment”.
Back in October, Doc Searls listed his 10 ways to improve newspapers. I suspect unconsciously percolated in my head for 2 months.
