Is the Internet becoming stale?

MediaPost panel with lots of heavy hitters -- Mark Cuban, Bob Garfield, Martha Stewart among them -- had an interesting discussion about new media. Among the most interesting comments was Cuban's that "The Internet is becoming stale." While others talked about atomization and prospects for social media and mobile, Cuban again interjected that he sees big screens (think the new Dallas Cowboys' stadium) have a future much more than tiny screens. Good stuff from all corners.

Journalism schools swarming with new students

       In my classes, I tell students that we live in the best of times for journalism and the worst of times. Apparently students agree.

      The Chronicle of Higher Education is reporting that journalism schools are doing quite well, thank you, with lots of entering freshmen anticipating the new journalism opportunities offered by journalism schools, and believing that their education is readying them for journalism in whatever form -- despite the dismal industry situation.

      As I like to say, newspapers may die, but journalism won't. And I love the tools now available to journalists. I sincerely wish they had been available when I was reporting on a regular basis.  I watch what my students do, both in class and on the Marquette Tribune, Journal and Online, and can only dream about what they'll be able to do with journalism in the future.

Social media and society -- What's the impact?

Interesting comment on a Washington Post blog by an attendee at a new media conference. Includes lots of links as well as summing up the presentations by some of the new media stars. Also has some interesting observations about new media impact on society (one quote: "We may overestimate the effect of social media on society but we shouldn't overestimate its effect on individuals").

AP reports most newspapers ready to charge for online news

The Associated Press is reporting that more than half of newspaper publishers are considering pay plans for their Internet sites, with several large papers poised to make the move soon. The story does a nice job setting up background for any moves that might be made.

Poll shows few would pay for Internet news -- now

A poll of British online news consumers that asked them if they would pay should their favorite online site suddenly start charging found that only 5% said they would. Most -- 74% -- said they'd find another free site. Interesting to see since millions of us pay 99 cents for a song on iTunes, and far more for Netflix or other media. The link is to a Guardian columnist who isn't surprised (there's a link in his article directly to the poll); that's to allow you to look at the comments, often better than original columns. I like the thinking of one Shanksy, who wrote "Five percent paying something is a lot better than no-one paying anything." Seems logical to me.

Opportunities in social media intrigue experts

Are you thinking about opportunities in social media? Advertisers are, according to a panel of marketing experts. It's used in several ways, including just listening to consumers, according to this Online Media Today story. That listening approach, it seems to me, has applications for editors, managers and educators as well as marketers, and certainly it's something that students should be thinking about.

A look at what is really happening for J-students

The Associated Press does what its been doing best lately, touching on a good issue that cries for more reporting. Today's story concerns the beginning journalists entering schools like Marquette's Diederich College of Communication. It gives both the good and the bad of today's media situation (it is indeed the best of times and the worst of times). I'd like to see a little more research into some of the initiatives entrepreneurial schools and journalists are undertaking (and a little less single-source self-promoting of one program -- yes, it'd be fine if it was our program not Missouri's), but it addresses some of the opportunities as well as weaknesses of the industry. Be sure to read to the end to see someone who understands why I like the opportunities while hating what's happening to the industry.

'Saving Newspapers From Their Saviors'

With a headline like "Saving Newspapers From Their Saviors," you get the impression that Jack Shafer of Salon doesn't like government breaks for journalism. You'd be right, but not because he hates newspapers or media in general, but that he thinks the proposals are bad for the business. Worth reading.

New newspaper starts -- a new ethnic newspaper

Built on the ashes of a closed newspaper, the nation's newest newspaper represents a resurgent community media. San Francisco's Nichi Bei Weekly is aimed at that community's Japanese.

It represents both good and bad news for ethnic newspapers. A survey shows a 16 percent increase in readership nationally for the papers, but, like mainstream papers, they often struggle financially as advertisers seeks cheaper alternatives despite the proven demand by consumers.

Newspaper stocks jump on good advertising news

All it takes is a little good news about advertising and newspaper stocks jump in value. It comes after several "good news" stories about the industry and its revenues.

Should we create the "hate" beat? Opportunities knock

An Ad Age columnist has a little fun with a proposal to set up a new news beat, the "hate beat," but, frankly, it's not funny in any respect. First is the fact that the media should start looking seriously at "hate" in America, and whether media actions are encouraging (obviously) or facilitating (I think so) hate.

He suggests setting up a "hate sports" beat. Frankly, it already exists. Look at deadspin.com for examples of hating sportswriting and broadcasting. And all you have to do is turn on white talk radio or most of the evening cable hosts to see "hate politics" in action. Hate is a big topic these days, only no one will touch it. I wonder if the reason is fear? After all, Howard Kurtz reports today how Glen Beck drove a White House aide out the door without any media amplification (or revealing to his audience the aide's connection to a campaign that has cost Beck loads of sponsors). So the lesson is that if you lead a campaign against any of the hate talkers, they'll get you. Sounds like a beat to me.

Second is the argument that those wanting to succeed in media (listen up, students) should start creating their own beats. This is the era of the journalist entrepreneur. And, frankly, covering hate in America is a good place to start. The media had better come up with subjects to cover that people want to know about.

Will Hulu kill television?

Analyst says Hulu will wipe out television broadcasting. Analyst Laura Martin says it's cannibalizing audience from broadcast, and that's not going to change. She also says the coming switch from broadcast and cable to Internet viewing will hasten adoption of Web-based viewing and, most important, that "we don't expect the Internet audience to ever put up with as many commercials as there are on TV."

Of course, Hulu was set up by television folks who are allowing their shows to be viewed on the site, reminding me way too much of newspapers blindly giving their content to their free web sites.

What are all these shiny MBAs being taught about supply and demand, anyway?