Why Print News is on Life Support

Print news is in trouble and it is not a cost issue. The fact is, our communication has evolved. Speed of information is valued as much as depth of information. Access to multiple points of view on a subject is as important as reading an authority on a particular story. And our appetite for rich graphics, audio, and video outshines those AP photos and images in print news. The point is, those organizations that continue to say cost is the driving force for shutting down a publication is over simplifing the reality. The truth is consumers helped to shape and change the communication ecosystem and technology made it easy to get to the tipping point. Cost will always be a factor in business, online and offline, the key is to know your customer base and learning how to connect on mutual terms. Cross train your employee base and layoffs become less of an option. Keep in mind, change is the new status quo.

The New “Digital” Deal

Broadband infrastucture is clearly on the agenda for the new administration and funding is being appropriated as I type.  Here are some things we should consider in building out a new communications infrastructure that will empower our citizens:

Keep public interest as the driving force for a new communications system

Build out fiber

Build out wifi/wimax networks

Turn our public libraries into “Digital Learning Centers” and Hotspots

Provide free training for Seniors and the less fortunate

Invite more public access

Friends, Followers and Critics

How are you functioning in a profile based world? The social media platform and blogosphere is shaping world culture in profound ways. Some of us are striving to have the most friends, others want the most followers, while others want to have the most critics leaving comments and feedback for us to feel attention worthy. Much of our attraction is based on our online profile. My hope is that in 2009, quality will rule over quantity. And your profile will only represent a small portion of who you are to the world.

Do We Need Stores

We recently discussed the demise of print publications that have migrated to the internet.  Can shopping in physical stores be next.  The 2008 holidays were not necessarily good to the brick and mortar establishment but their online counterparts saw a measurable up tick in online purchases.  Today, we are learning that retailers like Circuit City (bankrupt) is for sale and most retail companies are having to adjust their forecast for 2009.  Obviously everyone is making adjustments due to the economic climate, however, will the advantages of online shopping, outweigh the experience of shopping in a store?  It will probably boil down to the type of product, but it is obvious that consumers are quickly adopting the online shopping experience.  There seems to be a website for any product or service your heart desires, and the most interesting thing is that obscure products seem to be easier to acquire through the internet.  The future of information, entertainment, and education is online.  Can we say the same for your day to day shopping?

Print Media Dead?

All reports indicate that it is time to write the obituary for Print Media. Man created print media and Man is killing print media (sorry Rupert). There are approximately 1700 daily and 7500 weekly newspapers, and 64000 magazines. I hope there is a grave large enough. So far much of the demise of print is attributed to the advantages of digital media including, lower cost, interactive, speed, search and links but you can also add substance. The diversity of news coverage online is mind-blowing, granted the journalistic value of a lot of online media is “still under construction” but being able to research, source, write and publish within the same medium is effective. The goal is still the same: “to inform” but the medium has evolved. It would be good to see local media groups create localized digital media portals that are robust, inclusive, timely, and balanced. The revenue from advertising and merchandising will support these efforts. Let’s see how this unfolds in 2009. But I am not ready to give up on hard and soft cover books.

Digital Trends

We will be discussing 10 Digital Media Trends on January 29, 2009. Please leave a comment to confirm your participation.

Here is a sample of some of the trends that will be discussed:

• Interactive Television – Widgets will be introduced to the early adopters
• Lighter, Brighter, Tighter – your in-home, work and mobile devices will continue to strive to be high tech at low cost
• Power – Large enterprises will change the meaning of power. Look for fuel cells and solar to lead the charge.
• Theater – More Movie theaters will invest in Digital delivery of content – “cloud movies are born”
• Politics – Obama will set a new standard for Broadband deployment, speed, and ownership

Please get ready for a stimulating conversation with several experts on these and other trends.

Inauguration Negatives

Obama

All the attention for the inauguration is justified, however there is another side to the event that is not so appealing.  Here are 5 observations that detracts from this historic event:

Tickets – consider yourself a “chosen one” if you were able to get a ticket from your representative in congress.  The word for 2009 is transparency and so far the process for getting a ticket to the inauguration is as stealth as our financial industry.  Why?  If the people who are allocated tickets want to give them to their family, friends, and donors so be it but let us know.

Accommodations – most major events that occur in any major city will “jack” the prices up for Hotel rooms, but it seems this inauguration is seeing unprecedented capitalism in the private accomodation marketplace.  The DC mayor has suspended all housing rules during the week of the inauguration.  If you do not have a Hotel room, or a hookup in DC, be prepared to pay through the nose to stay overnight.

Logistics – in general, political events require well planned logistics, but the inauguration sounds like an uncomfortable event.  It will undoubtedly  be very cold, possibly wet,  long lines, no food and movement will be very limited.  It is not ideal if you are not good with tight quarters.

Parties/Balls – another reason to attend the inauguration is an opportunity to mingle and celebrate with like-minded citizens that have supported Obama.  There are over 80 planned events ranging in cost from invitation only to $500 per ticket.  So far some of these events seem so exclusive and high brow that the average citizen feels it is off limits.  There are events that are sanctioned by the inaugural committee and events that are just cool to attend, but how do you choose what to attend?  It is not easy to plan where you need to be if you are not an insider.  A good site to see the events can be found HERE.

Transportation - the inaugural committee has issued warnings to people that are attending the event to walk or take public transportation.  Do not drive or take a cab to the capitol.  Even people with special disability stickers will be prohibited from parking in the area.

By the way, despite these challenges, I will be there.  Let’s meetup.

Lollipop Education

Education is the new entertainment. Another legacy of the Obama administration should be to integrate technology into the learning process of every public elementary, middle, and High School. This includes an all access approach to technology, mobile labs, Virtual worlds, smart interactive white boards, and social gaming and enterprise. If there is one thing we can point to that was productive in 2008 besides the election it was the acceptance of social networking as a new way to spread knowledge. We can change the paradigm of learning in this country by tapping into the creativity, intellect and passion of our learners with interactive classrooms. Technology is no longer a strange or inaccessible industry. The integration of technology in our jobs and social circles has helped us become more efficient and better prepared as citizens. And online technologies that power sites like linkedin, facebook, and twitter have added an entertainment value that makes it fun to use. Imagine how this can change the way our students learn. We can make learning fun again in this country. Let’s make education the new entertainment and see how new icons emerge that our students can idolize.

The Last Entry for 2008

It is finally time to let go of 2008. I know there are some of you that were hoping this year would never end and some of you did not think this year would ever end. In any case there are some things we simply cannot control. Like it or not 2009 is a new year and we need to embrace the moment and look for ways to enhance our lives on this earth. Here are three things you could consider: do more volunteer work and service to others, strive for excellence, pay attention to the people that care about you. To quote former President Bill Clinton, “If we work to leave people better off than when we started, if we give our children more opportunities and a chance to live their dreams, if we focus on our common humanity instead of our interesting differences, and if we value our shared responsibilities, we can build a community of global citizens and have a tremendously positive impact on our world and the lives of others”. Good luck in 2009 and have a Happy New Year!!!

Presidents