3 ms·

I think you're right that "what is the future of local news?" is the real question, rather than "what will replace newspapers?" Working at a newspaper (online

by gr366 18y ago

I think you're right that "what is the future of local news?" is the real question, rather than "what will replace newspapers?" Working at a newspaper (online dept.), I think these organizations still haven't come to the realization that print isn't going to rebound (very much a "buggy whip" situation, as leed25d suggested). We see reports that show that newspapers' customer base is literally dying off. The younger generations don't have the same place in their lives for dead-tree news. The economic downturn and advertising nosedive will decrease the available time window for newspapers to evolve. I think many will not make it. This could be a good thing. If there is a need for their services, something will appear to take their place (and eventually something with a viable business model). Startups will lead the way in innovation, and the smart newspapers that survived will learn to rapidly adopt what works (and hopefully cultivate a spirit of innovation themselves). To be fair, I know a number of "traditional" journalists that have made the leap to Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, etc and have embraced these new forms to build flow, readership and conversation. I expect these folks to adapt and provide the professional expertise required for in-depth investigative journalism.

abdulkundi 18y ago
thanks for your detailed reply. I personally feel that introduction of a new platform does not kill it but rather forces it to reshape and evolve with a niche. For instance TV did not kill radio and internet did not kill TV. All of these are still existent with their own niche appeal. I also feel that people do need local news about their communities. All of us are concerned how our city councilman are doing. We also want to know the state of our schools. We also want to know the updates of a murder investigation etc. etc. So i feel that local news will remain relevant. The Newspaper i feel will have to team up with new technology companies to provide service on a revenue share basis. Plus advertising platform will also evolve for local newspapers.

by gr366 18y ago

abdulkundi 18y ago

thanks for your detailed reply. I personally feel that introduction of a new platform does not kill it but rather forces it to reshape and evolve with a niche. For instance TV did not kill radio and internet did not kill TV. All of these are still existent with their own niche appeal. I also feel that people do need local news about their communities. All of us are concerned how our city councilman are doing. We also want to know the state of our schools. We also want to know the updates of a murder investigation etc. etc. So i feel that local news will remain relevant. The Newspaper i feel will have to team up with new technology companies to provide service on a revenue share basis. Plus advertising platform will also evolve for local newspapers.