Why the newspaper industry is like Michael Fish

Neil Thackray on TheMediaBriefing is predicting even worse times ahead for the newspaper industry, claiming it can't see the size of the storm that is brewing over hacking, changes in technology and the economic downturn.

He writes: "The newspaper industry seems to be in denial about the extent of the crisis it faces. It is in danger of looking like Michael Fish the night before the big storm in 1987 [see post below]."

Thackray concludes: "When readers are losing faith in the integrity of what newspapers do, and shareholders are losing faith in the future of newspapers, when the economy is teetering on the edge of a double dip recession, when technology change is challenging the very essence of how newspapers do business, the conditions for a perfect storm are arising.

"The response to this storm will require a new round of fresh thinking.

"I can’t wait to see what a digital guy makes of it all. What on earth will Ashley Highfield [the new chief exec] do with Johnston Press ?"

My Mum and the Guardian's 'digital-first' strategy

I've written an article for TheMediaBriefing today about my 89-year-old Mum and the Guardian's "digital-first" strategy, which you can read here.

'Local papers aren't dying, they're just changing'

Patrick Smith, editor of TheMediaBriefing, has written a post about the local press in which he says he's considering banning the phrase “newspapers are dying” from his site.

He writes: "For the avoidance of doubt, let’s get this out of the way: newspapers are not dead or dying. It's often said by newspaper executives that 'doom-mongering' commentariat have got it all wrong by predicting the death of dead tree publishing, and these complainants have a point.

"I'm even considering putting the phrase 'newspapers are dying' on a banned list for TheMediaBriefing, such is that phrase’s inability to describe what is really going on in the news industry."

Patrick embraces much of the production changes within the regional press, such as reporters subbing their own copy and the introduction of new content management systems, claiming: "Flexibility is crucial, both editorially and commercially."

He argues the key to the future of regional newspapers is if they can get the transition to online and mobile consumption right and successfully change their revenue models.

"So not dying, but changing. That sounds about right. But will they get the transition to online and mobile consumption right? With an ageing audience and the pace of change in reader habits, the unbundling question is one that really needs answering by industry leaders."