Publishing's Sad Song

It is no secret the traditional publishing business model is under great duress.

Across business/financial and trade media the reaction has been to cut editorial staff and push more content to the Web, often requiring the remaining journalists to produce a greater number of stories, more quickly.

For the media savvy company with experienced thought leaders as spokespersons this does create PR opportunities. Build relationships with the editors and writers on staff, be responsive and provide an interesting perspective when interviewed. You’ll get called on more frequently to contribute to their reporting.

Additionally, the resulting content will be pushed to the market in a myriad of ways (i.e. print publication, Web site, e-newsletters, editor blogs, etc.).

Yet, the ramifications of a failing publishing industry are extensive. It’s a topic that pundits are currently debating. TechCrunch’s Michael Arrington just weighed in with an interesting take on whether government should step in to provide financial support.

If "Real Journalism" Fails as a Business, Should Government Step In?
http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/24/if-real-journalism-fails-as-a-business-should-government-step-in/