Newspapers: making them stronger for longer
To channel novelist Mark Twain, rumours of print's death have been greatly exaggerated.
We all know of the trials and tribulations that have faced the industry: plummeting profits, newspapers closed, journalist lay-offs and the great transition to free content online.
But nothing in media beats print for credibility, trust and authority. And research continues to show consumers are more likely to act on what they read and absorb in newspapers and magazines than what is flashed before them on social media.
In short, digital gets our attention but print is how we understand.
As consultants to media, we find businesses, regardless of size and character, face common problems, including:
By maintaining the status quo or chasing the mirage of digital revenue (more than 90 cents in every dollar of new digital advertising goes to Facebook and Google), publishers make big mistakes.
We have seen them spend money in the wrong areas (especially around technology), talk print down, and get stuck in the headlights - failing to get on with what they do best, which is great storytelling and providing outstanding service and solutions to local businesses.
In a recent survey we conducted with the industry, Flame Tree found publishers were buoyant about the future. But they wanted help with:
Flame Tree Media helps companies make print stronger for longer.
Director Stuart Howie is a strategist and thought-leader with more than 30 years in metropolitan, regional, country and suburban newspapers. As editorial director of Fairfax Regional Media, he oversaw a newsroom of some 800 journalists, across 150 regional newspapers and a national network of websites.
He masterminded Fairfax Media's trailblazing NewsNow project in Australia and then helped Stuff (Fairfax NZ) design and project manage its signature editorial strategy, News Rewired. These projects have earned national and international awards. These initiatives reset the dynamic of those respective businesses.
Flame Tree also works with industry groups and independent publishers to help them implement change.
SMART PRINT™ provides an integrated path to modernising the traditional newspaper model ...
We all know of the trials and tribulations that have faced the industry: plummeting profits, newspapers closed, journalist lay-offs and the great transition to free content online.
But nothing in media beats print for credibility, trust and authority. And research continues to show consumers are more likely to act on what they read and absorb in newspapers and magazines than what is flashed before them on social media.
In short, digital gets our attention but print is how we understand.
As consultants to media, we find businesses, regardless of size and character, face common problems, including:
- designing and settling on the right strategy for the times;
- how to best identify and make efficiencies without impacting negatively on their journalism; and
- how to engage their workforce and communities with a positive narrative.
By maintaining the status quo or chasing the mirage of digital revenue (more than 90 cents in every dollar of new digital advertising goes to Facebook and Google), publishers make big mistakes.
We have seen them spend money in the wrong areas (especially around technology), talk print down, and get stuck in the headlights - failing to get on with what they do best, which is great storytelling and providing outstanding service and solutions to local businesses.
In a recent survey we conducted with the industry, Flame Tree found publishers were buoyant about the future. But they wanted help with:
- strategic direction;
- how to create the perfect paper for today's consumer; and
- streamlining editorial production.
Flame Tree Media helps companies make print stronger for longer.
Director Stuart Howie is a strategist and thought-leader with more than 30 years in metropolitan, regional, country and suburban newspapers. As editorial director of Fairfax Regional Media, he oversaw a newsroom of some 800 journalists, across 150 regional newspapers and a national network of websites.
He masterminded Fairfax Media's trailblazing NewsNow project in Australia and then helped Stuff (Fairfax NZ) design and project manage its signature editorial strategy, News Rewired. These projects have earned national and international awards. These initiatives reset the dynamic of those respective businesses.
Flame Tree also works with industry groups and independent publishers to help them implement change.
SMART PRINT™ provides an integrated path to modernising the traditional newspaper model ...
DISCOVERY SESSION
This initial step is about determining what needs to be addressed. Are we talking the newsroom, content, product mix or business model? We describe best practice and explain the options available. |
SMART™ STRATEGY
We are known for designing strategic solutions for newspapers. We provide publishers with clear choices, a staged plan and a roadmap - all for the purpose of ensuring the ongoing prosperity of the business. |
13-WEEK TRANSFORMATION
Research shows most organisations struggle to implement change. We have led profound change programs. We harness the resources within to embed new ways and to deliver improved and sustainable results. |
WORKSHOPS
We also hold workshops designed around relevant themes in media, and speak at media and communications conferences.
