Can Newspapers Be Saved?

Over at the Tribune, former radio genius Randy Michaels has a new role, taking the helm as CEO from Sam Zell. Michaels has demonstrated he knows how to run a huge radio company, but it remains to be seen just how he can take the Tribune Company, which is trying to come out of bankruptcy – a rather embarrassing decline for the “World’s Greatest Newspaper.” How will the company make enough to fund the staff-intensive and printing/distribution infrastructure that has been newspapers?

And, related, the largest newspaper publisher in Europe suggests that there should be a payment system for news that we find on the Internet – so that link you follow from Google to a news piece could cost you. Monetizing the news departments of major daily newspapers might save them. If – and it is a BIG “IF” – folks like you and me will pay for that which has to this point been free.

And then I think about Chris Anderson, who argues that “Free is better.” In fact, he pushes for a free-for-all web, where free makes sense – even economic sense. I’m not sure that applies to newspapers, though.  Can Michaels turn around the Tribune with a free model? I rather doubt it. Will you pay for news that someone, somewhere, will offer for nothing? I don’t think so.

I’m not sure newspapers are going to make it. That’s a big deal to me. I’ve been reading papers on a daily basis since I was 10. Confession: I started reading…the Tribune. Every day I’d read it, after my Dad finished, of course. Now I get the Wall Street Journal, and consume as much as possible every day. Sometimes my kids read an article or two. But now the Journal is starting to charge for its web content. And I’m not paying for that, not while it is delivered to my door every day.

Can newspapers be saved? I hope so.

Twitter Growth

First came news of an infusion of $100 Million. Then statistics that show Twitter is still growing at a very fast clip.

A recent report by eMarketer.com says at least 18 million adults access Twitter on any given platform monthly. That’s a 200% increase over 2008 estimates! Additionally, eMarketer projects that Twitter users will total 26 million by next year.

Of course, not every user is a frequent user. Previous studies show that many people try Twitter once or twice – and then give up. Still, interest in the service is growing, and a financial model is being refined, so expect Twitter to stick around for some time to come.

Meanwhile, how are YOU using Twitter to promote your brand, spread your message, cultivate your tribe (er, flock?)?

Reaching Gen Y

Here’s a thoughtful, engaging conversation about how to reach Gen Y – what they value, how they relate to the messenger AND the message. Takes about 20 minutes, and the interview begins around the 3:20 mark. The stats alone make it worth your while, although there’s much more here.

Thanks For Twitter Habit Info!

Thanks to all the folks using Twitter who responded here – and at my Facebook account- sharing your Twitter habits. Seems that the folks who follow me Tweet multiple times a day, way more than the “once-in-a-lifetime-average-tweet” cited in the post I cited.

And, as already noted in the twitterverse, congrats to contest winners @jmsierra and @wmarkwhitlock! You’ll enjoy your @jeffcaylor “Okay” album and thumbdrive!

Media Messaging: 10 Ways To Think Outside The Box

Do you think much about ways you can push your message outside of the usual distribution channels?  For instance, if you are in the radio business, have you given consideration to ways to utilize print, web and even television to gain listenership? If you are all about publishing, have you thought about ways to harness other channels, including free downloads, in order to increase readership?

Far too often, we get into ruts, boxes, whatever you want to call ‘em. We think in singular terms about what we do and how we measure effectiveness. These days, that kind of thinking will probably lead to unemployment! That’s why I liked the summary in this article about ways to distribute your content and extend your brand.

Maybe you have something you’d add to this list? Regardless, good prompting to consider “out of the box” thinking for those who have a message!

Video Killed The Radio?

Radio stations sometimes use video to promote their product. Here are two very different takes on bad video production. Have to agree with the assessment that one is bad on purpose, the other is just plain bad. I’m wondering, did the radio sales team pull off these video productions? Sure seems likely.

Watch, and tell me: Did the video kill the radio station’s image? Which one will “stick” longer with viewers, and why?

When advertising, it is probably best to stay within the area of your expertise, or at least to hire someone better than you to do the creative.

Messaging: Using Twitter Well

Couple of things jumped out at me today regarding Twitter (and this relates to other social media tools, like Facebook). These are timely reminders that we’ve got to think through and use well our interactions in every setting, including the 140-character limitations of Twitter.

Here’s an article about a Best Buy exec – and how he could have better handled a Twitter exchange with a customer. Oops. Negative branding – without even trying. Now folks around the world are seeing this dialogue. Wouldn’t it have been better to address the complaint directly, instead of justifying and explaining?

This piece suggests that with social media, specifically Twitter, you are “always on.” A reminder on using the platform responsibly, keeping the brand always in mind. What to do if you accidentally post something that casts a negative light on your brand? Good tips here.

Remember, you are always communicating. And as political advisor and language expert Frank Luntz suggests, it isn’t what you say, it is what people HEAR that constitutes your messaging.

Someone is always happy to share your thoughts and words with others. An innocuous comment can get pinged around the social networks with blazing speed, and your brand will get praised – or dissed – by thousands.

So, what are you telling people about your company and brand?

When Branding Doesn’t Work

Sometimes branding activity really works. When Coca-Cola branches out and produces a new beverage, it makes perfect sense to me, the consumer. It’ll probably be pretty good tasting. It is a logical extension of the Eddie Bauer brand to have a EB edition of a truck. Rugged, dependable. Restaurant chains let me know that if I like one of their places, I may like a different establishment they own, too. Tasty, good value, etc.

My point is that a smart company leverages their brand effectively, helping consumers understand the linkage and reinforcing the brand message across product lines. But what happens when someone doesn’t think through the implications and associations between the brand and product?

Here’s an interesting – and humorous – article about branding efforts that ultimately failed, and why.

Now, are you using your branding opportunities logically and effectively?

Free or Paid? That Is The Question

I’ve appreciated the stimulating thoughts from Chris Anderson, but have to admit, this review of his newest book is…stimulating in and of itself! What price for your (insert your commodity, service or resource here)? In the end, it seems, even “Free Free Free!” gurus suggest that “Paid Paid Paid” has its merits.

Now, to on to walk that free-or-paid tightrope.

Millions Of Moms Are Online

Did you know that more than 33 million moms are regularly online? They also are among the most effective word-of-mount fans a company could want. (More details here.)

So what are you doing to capture moms with your online content?