Breaking News, Analysis of Trends and Exclusive Commentary
In this edition of Fitz and Jen we discuss something closer to home, the shuttering of Editor & Publisher. And just as we have started to detect some stirring signs in the newspaper biz! Especially though, we here at E&P want to express a heartfelt thanks to all those who have reached out to us with overwhelming support. It's been truly uplifting in these difficult times.
December 11, 2009
Breaking News, Analysis of Trends and Exclusive Commentary
Fitz and Jen welcome Poynter media analyst extraordinaire Rick Edmonds on this week's podcast. Edmonds joins us from Washington D.C. where he just recently presented a neat and tidy summary of the current state of newspapers during a FTC workshop earlier this week. Edmonds is one of the few to ring the alarm that publishers are dangerously close to alienating what readers they have left because of deep cuts in the newsroom and the product. The risk is real and the consequences are severe. But there is hope. Edmonds believes ad revenue will even ...
December 03, 2009
Breaking News, Analysis of Trends and Exclusive Commentary
Mark Fitzgerald and Jennifer Saba welcome back the sharp and insightful INMA Executive Director Earl Wilkinson on this week's podcast edition. Always on top of the trends, Wilkinson just released a report on paid content -- more to the point, how publishers can create value in the age of news content abundance. And among the bewildering array of possible paid content models, is there one that's optimal for newspapers? Wilkinson says yes: Newspapers are just on the cusp of grasping that delivery of content however the reader wants it, is value i ...
November 24, 2009
Breaking News, Analysis of Trends and Exclusive Commentary
Since mid-July newspaper stocks have experienced a magnificent revival after languishing on the gurney. The 52-week change for many newspaper companies are soaring, some with triple digit percentage growth. But are newspapers stocks starting to loose juice? Investors are pushing the broader market down on concerns the economy is not recovering. For newspaper shares, the bears are starting to creep out.
November 19, 2009
Breaking News, Analysis of Trends and Exclusive Commentary
Fresh from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Fitz reports on the Inter American Press Association's 65th annual general assembly. The government meddling in newspapers throughout many South America countries is simply stunning. In Argentina, the government recently revoked the right of stores to sell newspapers. Ecuador is even more far-reaching. The country wants to assign a government-appointed ombudsman who has the power to suspend publications to newspapers. Que horrible!!!
November 13, 2009
Breaking News, Analysis of Trends and Exclusive Commentary
Online news start-ups thinking of going the non-profit route should take note of Geoff Dougherty's experience starting the Chi Town Daily News. In this special edition, Dougherty joins Fitz and Jen and explains the difficulties in drumming up dollars to keep the online site dedicated to Chicago news running. That site shuttered but Dougherty is coming back with a new venture, Chicago Current, on Nov. 9. This time, the business model is for-profit, and -- drum roll, please ... includes print.
November 05, 2009
Breaking News, Analysis of Trends and Exclusive Commentary
Ah yes, it's that time of year again. ABC released scary circulation numbers earlier this week. In this edition, Fitz & Jen analyze what's really behind the double-digit declines including price hikes and the effects of the Great Recession. Plus: What The Columbus Dispatch is doing right.
October 29, 2009
Breaking News, Analysis of Trends and Exclusive Commentary
Fitz and Jen detect a hint of mirth in the voices of newspapers executives as they announce quarterly earnings this week. The New York Times Co. beat expectations - despite double-digit ad revenue declines - but signaled that things seem to be picking up with advertising. Even Tampa, Fla., where one would suspect a dark cloud still lingers, is catching a few rays of sunshine, according to Media General.
October 22, 2009
Breaking News, Analysis of Trends and Exclusive Commentary
Special guest alert! Fitz and Jen welcome top-notch Morningstar equity analyst Tom Corbett on this week's podcast edition. The subject: McClatchy, fresh from its Q3 quarterly earnings call, and the first out of the gate to report. The Sacramento-based company made a profit in Q3 due mainly to cost cutting. That's no reason to cheer warns Corbett. "The bottom line," he says, "is all about the top line."
October 15, 2009
Breaking News, Analysis of Trends and Exclusive Commentary
The Sun-Times Media Group serves as a cautionary valuation tale in today's brutal environment. In this edition, Fitz & Jen discuss the latest happenings with STMG - the concessions investor Jim Tyree won from the Guild units and the frightening prospect of liquidation. Forced to sell everything at once, it would fetch a pittance for its printing presses and real estate.
October 08, 2009