Writing in The Guardian, David Leigh contemplates about the future of newspapers: A £2-a-month levy on broadband could save our newspapers.
Okay, maybe such a levy could save newspapers. Why knows? If governments go down that route then why not a levy to save the local shops that nutture and promote local character. And why not a levy to save the penny farthing? Yes, absurd … I know.
What is happening to mainstream media businesses is business. No protection ought to be sought or provided. Businesses will prosper or fail based on what they deliver to their customers. This is as it should be.
It is frustrating enough that the federal government has provided TV networks with financial aid for dealing with the switch to digital. Small businesses are not assisted in coming with change to the same degree.
No, I hope that any proposal to strike a levy to save any business is quickly dismissed.
Yep. Intervention into this are by government is not desirable. If newspapers are to be saved, the people who buy them have to keep buying them.
You are right again Mark.
What a dumb idea.
If a product is not commercially viable, the publisher needs to restructure its processes and consider its options:
*Online is a real option
*cutting back on days it is printed is another.
*Lowering the wages paid to executives, board members, CFO’s, and other higher management.
*Reducing the staff required to put the newspaper together.. “Fashion experts”, “AFL experts”……please. They are just glorified gossipers.
* Reduce the discounts given on subscriptions to consumers, cafe’s, schools etc.
*Or in NSW, they could simply put the bloody price of the Daily Telegraph up.
The price of the Daily telegraph is shameful. News Limited’s refusal to set a fair price speaks to its social responsibility.