The future is closer than you think

It had been starting to feel like newspapers were catching some momentum toward transforming their operations, but lately I’m feeling an ebb. I see more job cut announcements and rumors around the country, and I received an email from a former colleague who recently moved to a new job within his current corporate chain, but doesn’t like the prospects. Here’s an excerpt:

I liked my job and I’m still living there, but they were making big changes (cuts), shut down the presses and were putting the building up for sale. So it seemed like the move to make over here, plus more money and fewer hours.

But the rumors are of major layoffs here (possibly 25 percent of the staff, announcements expected soon). Not sure if I’ll be a survivor. I may volunteer for any projects you need handled in Tacoma, or ask your advice about the best way to get over to your side of the business.

Let’s hope that as more journalists are ready for this “side of the business” - whether through curiosity or preservation - news companies will be ready to integrate them into the digital operation and maximize the opportunity. The online audience is ready and growing and publishers would be able to realize more revenues if they more fully commit themselves to publishing digitally.

Are you waiting for the job cuts to hit? Or are you preparing for a digital future that is a lot closer at hand than you think.