In my first few weeks of research, I have spoken with a diverse set of people about my project. My only conclusion thus far about the future of news is that everyone sees it going in a different direction.
My friend who is interested in machine learning started talking really fast about how data mining can be used to automate news collection (django). To see an application of that technology, go see what's happening in Lawrence, KS.
My TA who is pursuing his PhD in economics pulled up an article that creates a mathematical model to describe whether or not the internet is cannibalizing print business. That particular article predicts that the two channels can be complementary, but two facts lead me to discount their findings: 1) It was written in 2001 and 2) newspapers have run into serious financial trouble in the interim.
To a veteran news executive Alan Mutter, aka the newsosaur, the intersection of news and technology is viewed through a lens of institutional preservation or lack thereof. The postings mostly document the ways newspapers can leverage technology to remain relevant. But he does note in this post, well actually a repost of a few comments, that there are certainly those see the newspaper industry as an obstacle and not the answer. As I read blog after blog, often the most instructive pieces can be found in the comment section because they come from consumers, not producers. He decided to reject all anti-media posts after this one, and I think that is a shame. I hope that people will react as passionately and honestly on this blog.
The Nieman Journalism Lab produces content from multiple sources of very smart people all looking for solutions. The about us page lays out an approach that I can really get behind: solutions focused and optimistic. I do think they would do well for themselves to include more non-journalism affiliated contributors though who have a different perspective on the industry.
The answers to lots of questions about the future of news/information will likely come from those who consume the information instead of those who produce it because the line has blurred. Barriers to entry have been lowered, adoption can be viral, and a great idea has lots of promise to transform into new institutions (just ask Google).
It is hard to leave one's bias at the door... but I hope to do just that with this blog. By listening to smart people from many disciplines, a more complete picture will form because it includes all potential stakeholders... everyone!
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How about an e-book designed for newspapers through a proprietary license setup? Like an iPod for news. Purchasing 'the paper' would be replaced by purchasing 'the reader' and with the hardware purchased, the content then comes free for one year, similar to current subscription contracts. Point being to allow offices full of Journalists to continue doing their jobs.
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