We have a loyal readership, but our newspaper is one of few thriving in paper form. As sharing information online becomes more popular, journalists continue scratching their heads and wondering how their organizations can survive in a world with free instant information. Some have websites readers subscribe to for a fee, but the results have varied.
Rupert Murdoch unveiled his plans to solve that problem Wednesday. News Corp’s newspaper for the iPad, the Daily, embraces new technology but keeps the feel of a traditional paper, a combination that may equal success. The page layouts and subscription models draw from newspaper tradition, allowing people to keep one foot in the past, but the app also provides video with a touchscreen interface, which points to a fresh news delivery method.
Technological innovations usually are rooted in the past — today’s keyboards are similar to those on old typewriters — because it makes customers more comfortable during the switch. What we’re questioning is our generation’s tendency to favor fast news over accurate information. The typical journalism hierarchy, with editors vetting a story before publishing, may be on its way out. We’re curious to see how the Daily will handle this give and take.
The media are hurling spaghetti at the wall, and we’re waiting to see what sticks.
