I’ve posted before (actually here and on Forward) about the supposed demise of newspapers. I didn’t buy it.
Even Harold Burson said that PR should be so lucky to be in the shoes of the newspaper industry.
But I don’t know…
Sure, this isn’t a surprise to anyone. But as someone recently involved in media relations as part of my new job, I can tell you that getting someone to cover your news is nearly impossible as it is. I mean, this is stuff that would actually be considered news, newsworthy, worth takin’ a look at, something to write home about. But getting someone to write column inches about it is a different story. Especially with newspapers slashing staff.
The newspaper industry is affecting more than the newspaper industry, it will trickle down. Media giants will continue to snap up small newspapers and radio stations. Local news will become antiquated and we’ll all be force fed the same tripe from city to city, from print to video. Except for those little community newspapers. I mean, it might not be journalism, news, or even proper grammar sometimes, but it’s targeted and relevant. And thank goodness we have online. But clients and CEOs still want print, they want actual ink. And they don’t understand what’s happening in the industry ’cause they have their own industries to worry about. And this is mine to worry about…
Filed under: Future of PR, Public Relations | Tagged: newspaper |
Blog Catalogue
Forward Blog
LinkedIn
Power150
Luke Armour - Digital Marketing and Public Relations Observations, Commentary, Frivolity 
The best hope for local news probably rests with citizen journalists and all of the good and bad that comes with that. At least one company is trying to make that possible future pay off.
http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/09/15/citizenbay-to-pay-local-news-contributers/
Rick,
Glad you pointed that article out. I’m a little behind in my TechCrunch feeds, but that was worth a read. Unfortunately you may be right about citizen journalism and you hit the nail on the head with “and all the good and bad that comes with that.” Although in certain markets, I think you would agree that the local yokels would do a much better job of some of the “legitimate” press. Not trying to stir the pot, but we’ve all seen evidence of that. Plus, like bloggers, I fear that citizens go with the gut rather than fact check most often.
And like PR, I find journalism to suffer from the “a few bad apples” syndrome.
Thanks for the note and congrats on the little one.