#journchat: 20 questions about print journalism

Last night’s #journchat was inspired by The Shark Guys’ tongue-in-cheek post, 25 Ways to Save the Newspaper Industry. The purpose of the chat was not to portray the print (and their online counterpart) industry as a damsel in distress. We shared ideas, thoughts and tips to energize an industry and, of course, encourage others to engage. Below is a chat recap of the 20 questions and favorite responses from participants (journalists, PR professionals, bloggers and communications and journalism students). You can participate in #journchat via twitter every Monday from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT.

Q1: How can papers leverage (or not) Sunday editions?

• @acnattaQ1 They can take a week in review in depth story approach with Sunday. Analysis & news (like @nytimes et. al) #journchat
  
• @JSBagainQ1 Sunday is best branding opportunity – create connection via Sunday’s content that expands into relationship w outlet #journchat
  
• @sue_anne Q1: Use Sunday newspaper to set up series that continues throughout the week. #journchat
• @loringbarnes: Q1:Stay local. Sunday papers are becoming old news, out of market, long-lead. Increasingly disappointing. #journchat
  
• @elissapr Q1 Create more Citizen Journalism ops in Sunday editions; go in-depth where you can’t during the week #journchat

Q2 What can you do to connect with a sports audience via sports coverage (i.e. an audience that wants results real-time)?

• @foleymo Q2: Quit printing ink on paper and using trucks to disseminate it. Engage sports fans in real time online and on mobile devices. #journchat
• @dbreakenridge Q2: Set up blogger stations at events to connect with sports audience/communities as events take place. #journchat
• @acnatta Q2 how about a mobile based site that keeps real-time updates of scores for HS and college teams in area #journchat
  
• @standupkid Q2: Maintain a lively, informed, unique community where fans can talk to sports reporters during a game. #journchat
• @sarahalisa18 #journchat Q2: this might be obvious but- TWITTER! get the sports section to have their own account, then tweet scores and stats. simple.
• @jaosullivanx Q2: Pimp your sports writers as personalities. Sports fans like to be involved and interacting with the coverage. #journchat
• @PMGNicole Q2 citizen journalists can help cover local high school/college games via twitter and then feeding them into the papers website #journchat

Q3 How do print news outlets need to (or not) change staffing? Either given the current environment or in preparation for future.

• @kristoforlawson Q3 – I think they need to change the entire model of a newsroom to leverage the digital environment, but focus on their strengths #journchat
• @rkellett #journchat Q3: more “engagement editors” — a new term w/ a lot of play last week.
  
• @andreaitis Q3 newsrooms should not have division between paper and digital — should be a single blended newsroom #journchat
• @standupkid Q3: Print staffing: rethink everything. Recreate. Break the old mold and design the new. #journchat
• @iBridgeforth @journchat Q3 – I don’t think staffing needs to be changed I think its a tactic & strategy issue. Also content as well. #journchat
• @kristoforlawson Q3 newsrooms strengths are in building in-depth quality content, they need to remove the ‘breaking news’ reporters and refocus #journchat
• @bethfulton Q3 Too many editors, too few good reporters. Print (newspapers esp) have become too top-heavy. #journchat

Q4 What current costs (e.g. delivery) need to be rethought/changed/eliminated?

• @sue_anne Q4: Newspaper are free to the public, but you have to pick them up from a box (many throughout the city). #journchat
• @acnatta Q4 the cost of delivery to digital devices in addition to print and how it breaks down. #journchat
• @prtini Q4 Re-evaluate community sponsorships/partnerships. Are they reaching the right audience? Can $$ be used to reach “new” audience? #journchat
• @JodiEchakowitz Q4: Need to determine which sections are better delivered in print vs online. May be options to divert attention online. #journchat
• @KatyB14 Q3: I would print it on different paper/different ink and make it easier to read each page smaller, even if there are more pages. #journchat
• @kristoforlawson But I would cut the advertising sales staff and use online to replace them and I would move the ‘breaking news’ team online #journchat
• @ bropo #journchat Q4: current costs – same answer as 3 – more to good reporters, less to print/distribution. More to online platforms.

Q5 Columnists: What’s their future? How can they help (or not) the future of print journalism?

• @kristoforlawson Q5 columnists are the sole reason many people buy a paper and I think people are willing to buy their opinion #journchat
• @RightGirl Q5 Columnists remain popular. That’s where the advertising can really sell, in print or online. #journchat
• @standupkid Q5: Columnists are brands and brands–if they’re good–have power. Personality breaks through the static. #journchat
• @sue_anne Q5: Columnists can be a real selling point if they have a fresh perspective. Offer “print-only” versions of their work. #journchat
• @thorstone137 Q5 It might be wise for columnists to be building personal brands on the net|Licensing their content|Consolidating it for print #journchat
• @elissapr Q5 Create dual-formula for columnists; read column in print; interact with them on-line #journchat

Q6 Is there a way to maximize “letters to the editor” or another idea to incorporate readers’ thoughts? Think online, too.

• @BRCeditor Q6 #journchat Have had great response with @BRCmagazine on Facebook – post question each week, publish reader’s notes in print mag Letters
• @biavio Q6 Q&A with columnists on Twitter! OR even better, with the editor #journchat
• @rkellett: #journchat Q6: stop calling them letters to the editor. they’re called comments and come in all shapes and sizes.
• @LindsaySydenham Q6 I love the idea of newspaper staff responding to LTE’s and comments immediately online. Creates excellent discussion. #journchat

Q7 What do print pubs need to do to become “social media friendly” (based off Shark Guys)? Should they move entirely online?

• @prchicago Q7 News pubs would probably be better off online, but architecture, art and fashion mags will probably enjoy a print resurgence #journchat
• @Thatcher Q7. I don’t think they need to become “social media friendly” as much as they just need to become READER-friendly. #journchat
• @JodiEchakowitz Q7: There are still die-hard fans of print pubs (I’m one of them). Need to understand needs of audience before u can do anything #journchat
• @MereElainePR Q7: Papers can create custom URLS that will direct the reader to the online article? From there, they can “share” socially. #journchat
• @standupkid Q7: Print pubs should immediately stop thinking of themselves as “print” anything. Journalists, period. We’re all digital now. #journchat
• @ThaoTT Q7 Newspapers should move entirely online when the distribution rate drops to 10% or below. #journchat

Q8 In fast-paced, real-time online news, how can online versions of print avoid major errors and “sloppy reporting?”

• @standupkid Q8: You can’t avoid mistakes. Fortunately, online, a story is never “done” as in print. It evolves. You fix your mistakes. #journchat
• @PMGNicole q8 Need to have social fact checkers as part of your staff. These people are responsible for verifying stories – just like print. #journchat
• @foleymo Q8: Don’t look at them as “errors,” but as “early reports.” Don’t look at is as “sloppy,” but as “genuine.” #journchat
• @kristoforlawson q8 maybe adding a disclaimer if something could be wrong or is ‘breaking’ could be beneficial #journchat
• @JodiEchakowitz: Q8: Let bloggers break the news; print can perfect it and provide the deets when all facts are checked #journchat

Q9 Should print journs learn and incorporate multimedia online (e.g. audio, video) for their stories? How? Tips?

• @standupkid Q9: All journos must know multimedia now. It is essential. It is expected. You can’t be a one-medium player and survive. #journchat
• @tmonhollon Q9 It’s not necessary. Good reporting tactics just translate into new tools, if needed. Solid reporting is still valuable. #journchat
• @jonlan Can you be a serious journalist and not be using any multimedia? Q9 #journchat

Q10 Is there any way to repurpose print publications? (Based off Shark Guys’ tongue-in-cheek suggestion to use in arts/crafts)

• @bropo Q10 #journchat I buy at least one printed newspaper a month for my composting wrap — if I can’t get somebody else’s.
• @Naldoxx @journchat Q10: Sure. Put more investigative reporting into them. Go back to the hardcore journalism, to Capote #Journchat
• @jonlan Many “investigative” epics would be better w/multimedia @AnnaTarkov says “lots of serious, investigative work doesn’t require MM” #journchat

Q11 How can PR contribute (or not) to assist with content generation (either in online or print version)?

• @FoxzieMcCoy Q11 provide content rather than product releases #journchat
• @elissapr Q11 Create news releases in multi-downloadable formats, print and ready-to-go on-line clip #journchat
• @foleymo Q11: “Good content” is curated, digestable, shareable. #journchat
• @Naldoxx Q11 Give us some good material to work with. That´s all I ask. And please, get me the best interviews!! #journchat

Q12 Complete this sentence and advice: When in doubt, _______________________. (RE: print/online journalism)

• @standupkid Q12: When in doubt, leave it out. #journchat
• @JodiEchakowitz Q12: Trust your instincts #journchat
• @ChangWooUWSP Q12: Study. #journchat
• @Naldoxx Q12: When it doubt “stay away from it” #journchat
• @PMGNicole Q12 or if you are a PR – When in doubt, don;t waste the reporters time. #justsayin #journchat
• @ccduong Q12: When in doubt, ask questions. #journchat

Q13 If you were developing a slogan for the print industry (including online) what would it be?

• @JodiEchakowitz Q13: If you can read it, we can print it #journchat
• @elletwits Q13: “Brought to you BUY…” #journchat
• @SuperDu: Q13 All the online news (that’s fit to print) #journchat
• @rajean: Q13 “Read it and Tweet” #Journchat
• @DanGordon iRead on MyPad #Journchat
• @JodiEchakowitz Q13: Slogan: Just the facts #journchat
• @LeslyCardec Q.13: —> Digg This <— #journchat

Q14 Encourage staff members to <INSERT YOUR ANSWER> in order to make the most of every story.

• @sarah_millar Q14 Encourage staff members to LOOK AT EVERY ANGLE in order to make the most of every story. #journchat
• @elissapr: Q14…to think like a reader…#journchat
• @jtlongandco RT @Naldoxx: Q14: Encourage staff members to “spread the news” . #journchat <We are all marketing dept. now
• @CathyWebSavvyPR: Q14 Encourage staff members 2 “share w/their networks & join convo” in order to make the most of every story #journchat
• @loringbarnes Q14: Newsrooms can’t have FB blocks! No kidding! #journchat
• @summermburke: Q14 conduct interviews IN PERSON. #Journchat
  
• @acnatta Q14 engage with readers online and pay attention to comments (it could lead to another story) #journchat

Q15 How can print/online pubs leverage (or not) community content and reviews from sites like Yelp, Gowalla, etc…?

• @prchicago Q15 Don’t know how accurate the review sites are, so it may not be the best idea. #journchat
• @foleymo Q15: Print pubs can sell advertising to local shops that have specials for location-based service users. That expands the reach. #journchat
• @elletwits Q15: review sites can unearth emerging consumer trends, reveal info about a biz you may only learn if u went in their shoes etc. #journchat
• @AdScientist2: Q15 New stats show twitter conversations more accurate to forecast expectations of box office and other entertainment. #journchat
• @AliahPR Q15 PArtner and outsource with Trulia, Zillow, Monster, YahooAutos, etc. Rethink the classified strategy. #journchat

Q16 What do you think about negotiating for exclusive publishing rights for top bloggers? Good? Bad? Have a different idea?

• @ValerieInRke Q16: Good idea! There are some good bloggers and citizen journos out there. #journchat
• @jtlongandco #journchat Q16: Not sure exclusive and blog go together in a sentence.
• @kwjudd Q16: Would it be possible to maintain independence? Would opinions still have the same weight or would they be suspect? #journchat
• @LGM_PR Q16: Exclusive blogger publishing rights could work for specific launch/story but potentially creates difficult precedent. #journchat
• @gutterabbit Q16 I don’t think exclusivity exists on the internet anymore #journchat

Q17 Do you think viewers like behind-the-scenes news room goings-on (e.g. John King feed)? Should it be incorporate for readers?

• @Naldoxx Q17: Do you like to see the kitchen of your favorite restaurant? I don´t. Same can be applied to newsrooms #journchat
• @dpolitis: Q17: I think too many ppl have a Hollywood-glorified view of how news is made. It’s typically pretty boring. #journchat
• @foleymo Q17: Perhaps the behind-the-scenes is available for “platinum” customers — like a freemium model… #journchat
• @kwjudd Q17: Behinds the scenes humanizes and adds to authenticity. #journchat

Q18 What needs to change on advertorial side of things? Nothing? Everything? What are your tips to print/online pubs?

• @SuperDu Q18: Advertorial needs to have consistent, industry standard *disclosure* so that readers are not confused. Need 2 Know. #JournChat
• @prchicago Q18 Make special sections more useful with better articles, special offers. #journchat
• @AsianStig @Journchat Q18 make an advertorial that grabs my attention and effectively convinces me to consider buying what you sell #Journchat
• @andreaitis: advertisers shld engage directly w/ consumers [ see our T/S Ad Slants http://bit.ly/9oFWHJ ]
• @elissapr Q18 Advertorials should provide more backstory, news consumers can use #journchat

Q19 Should there be an online pay-wall (or whatever you want to call it) for content? How do you envision the fee structure?

• @standupkid Q19: Paywalls? Boo. #journchat
• @dailyasker Q19: Name any other industry that gives away its product totally for free. If you don’t ask, you won’t get. #journchat
• @thorstone137 Q19 As networks mature you could charge a fee for curated access #journchat
• @sarah_millar Q19 — For investigative features, perhaps. But you need to be aware less people will read your content if it cannot be shared. #journchat
• @foleymo Q19: Paywalls go against the purpose of journalism. The ability to share news and civic activism go hand in hand. #journchat
• @Naldoxx Q19 Chris Anderson’s “Free…” I rest my case #journchat
• @NTJ Q19: Paywalls: If I have to pay for content, I don’t want to see any adds. #Journchat

Q20 (FINAL Q): How do you think the next generation of journalists and bloggers will change print/online news?

• @sarah_millar Q20 Hopefully we will bring fresh ideas that are incorporated into everyday practices. We know the technology, listen to us! #journchat
• @SJOgborn @journchat Q20 jumping in, but I think news is going to be more brief – look at Twitter releases in 140 characters #journchat
• @elissapr Q20 Create a new model for news; one will break it, the other can develop it #journchat
• @AsianStig @journchat Q20 What print media? It may not be around for the next generation, much less mine unless they’re profitable. #journchat
• @Katie_Traut Q20: It won’t make a difference if you read a news story in the print Sunday Times or the Bits Blog. News is news. #journchat
• @thorstone137 Q20 By accepting, nurturing, and manifesting the http://www.cluetrain.com/ #journchat