File this under sobering news item of the day: The New York Times is shedding 7.5% of its newsroom workforce. PaidContent has more. The January 15, 2005 edition of Business Week quotes Arthur Sulzberger, Publisher of the New York Times:
“Within our lifetimes, the distribution of news and information is going to shift to broadband,” Sulzberger says. “We must enter the broadband world having mastered the three key skill sets — print, Internet, and video — because that’s what’s going to ensure the future of this news organization in the years ahead.”
Newsagents can read stories like this and feel no connection. Or, they can read stories like this and think, we’re doomed! Or, they can see the waves, grab the surfboard and ride the wave. This latter alternative is the choice to make.
For over 100 years the direction of our channel has been set by suppliers. In 2008, the direction is entirely up to us. The future for entrepreneurial newsagents is wonderful. That future can include newspapers and magazines, greeting cards and lotteries. It can also include other categories which enhance our relevance.
These are the challenges newsagents need to talk about today.