Blogs and Newspapers, The Next Step?
April 7th, 2008 | by Craig |I have a friend (which may surprise you), who works for a random newspaper between the Mississippi River and an ocean. He’s been following the Climate Change posts, and has some points, which I think are worth throwing out there. With his permission, I’m sharing parts of a recent conversation here.
Since I was recently rather critical of the media in general, and newspapers in particular, he brought up some points that I found worth discussing.
Blogs (again, in the aggregate), for the most part have an adversarial relationship with traditional print media. Bloggers tend to look for the “Gotcha!” moment, so that they can beat the newspapers to press. The product that bloggers put out isn’t always polished, and sometimes has to be changed when new circumstances arise, or other facts come to light. That is the nature of this beast, I think.
While we, as bloggers, tend to think of newspapers and traditional print media as dinosaurs, they really aren’t. Yes, they’re going through a tough time right now, but the problem isn’t with what they do — it’s with how they make money. The profession isn’t outdated. The profit model is.
There is somewhat of a symbiotic or maybe a hate/hate relationship growing between newspapers and bloggers. The newspapers are leery of bloggers, for reasons outlined above, plus Sturgeon’s Law definitely applies to blogs. Bloggers are leery of newspapers because they are slower to get stories out. But, as it sits right now, they’re both dependent on one another. Bloggers are more dependent on newspapers than vice-versa, but the blogs do send hits to the newspapers, and the advertising folks like that.
What my friend suggested as a way forward is this: from the best bloggers, find one or two and either hire them, or have them freelance, but pay them. This accomplishes a couple of things. One, when the bloggers are right (and often times they are), it might actually get eyeballs on an important story, and if it’s something someone is interested in, they’re going to have some background knowledge and technical expertise. Then, that story can actually be vetted by an actual (gasp!) editor. Further, the financial angle does provide some incentive to put out a better product.
In my mind, this is a good start because it helps both sides improve their final product. Plus, the newspapers can benefit from a blogger’s expertise in a field. We can’t expect reporters to be experts in everything, and sometimes a story benefits from a treatment by someone who is more knowledgeable in a field.
Since this bit contains his $.02 and my $.02, this is the most financially rewarding post you will see today.
7 Responses to “Blogs and Newspapers, The Next Step?”
By Steve on Apr 7, 2008 | Reply
I tend to think of bloggers more as editors than reporters. Writers hate editors because they are always changing happy to glad or vice versa. But I think that you are right about it being symbiotic. Newspapers can respond faster if they want, but it would require putting their news up electronically, then updating as corrections are needed.
By Harold on Apr 7, 2008 | Reply
Most newspapers can, and do, post news electronically. But the old adage, “Get it first, but get it right,” applies here. Posting incorrect or incomplete information on a breaking story is irresponsible. Credibility is one of the biggest assets a newspaper, or blog for that matter, can have.
By Bob on Apr 7, 2008 | Reply
I own a computer. I am now a credible journalist? Ever since Pagemaker that seems to be the incredible delusion. I have had the good fortune in my lifetime to work with and alongside some of the most extraordinary journalists that have ever lived. I can’t think of a single “blogger” who is in the same league, let alone the same ballpark. Bloggers are a superb addition to the Opinion Page, but there’s no credible “reporting” taking place. Comparing blogging with journalism is like apples and oranges, if not sour grapes.
By Craig on Apr 7, 2008 | Reply
Sour grapes, Bob?
Not from this end. In fact, I think the point was being made that bloggers are not journalists, but can certainly play a complementary role in the news-gathering process.
That’s all.
By Bob on Apr 7, 2008 | Reply
Craig, I agree with the “complementary role” you refer to in this context. Taking things another step, I suspect that “blogging” will evolve into something more than “complementary” in the context of “news gathering.” There is a lot of potential in this “new” medium, and you are a good example of what “blogging” can be. I won’t live long enough to see where “new media” is headed, but I do expect that “blogging” is leading to growth in participation from all points of view that will preserve our individual and collective freedoms. I want you to know, sir, that I appreciate your engagement in this evolving process. Thank you very much.
By Craig on Apr 8, 2008 | Reply
Gregg Smith at Electric City Weblog is a far better example of what the future holds. He’s doing local stuff, and digging deep into it on a fairly consistent basis. He’s developed a readership on both sides of the aisle and gives everyone a fair shake.
One of the big problems for newspapers (and some of the stuff that blogs do) is getting people to give a rip. People seem to want newspapers to “shut up about tax policy and tell me about Lindsay or Britney.”
That’s a far more fundamental problem, and one I’m not sure can be fixed.