Dedicated journalists across the nation are refusing to quit – even when they’ve been laid off. In a New York Times article, David Carr reports on a new journalism trend spurred by this economy: newsrooms owned and operated by journalists.
These newsrooms have a few marked differences from those run by top daily newspapers. There are no editors or administrative staff, no printed editions or deep pockets. And no money. These journalists are so dedicated to their work that they’re writing for free.
NewJerseyNewsroom is one such outlet started by journalists who had been laid off from The Star-Ledger in Newark, New Jersey. A group of 40 journalists came together at a public library in January 2009 and created the site without any financial support. Says the site’s “About Us” section,
“We have won every award and distinction from the Pulitzer Prize to the New Jersey Press Association Journalist of the Year. Our contributing writers, driven by passion and purpose, contribute as volunteers who believe in the cause.”
The site went live in mid-April and has since received more than 51,000 page views – a number that surely increased after the New York Times piece ran. It boasts a few ads, but journalists are not paid for their work. The site is incorporated, and should it someday become profitable the founding members will receive a share of the company.
I found the site to be professional, clear, relevant and insightful. At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be much difference between NewJerseyNewsroom and the sites operated by major daily newspapers.
Carr reports that there are several similar sites in San Diego, Minneapolis, Denver and Chicago – perhaps evidence of a growing trend, especially as the newspaper industry continues to suffer.
But without editors and resources like photographers and fact-checkers, will quality suffer? Perhaps, but these journalists are devoted to their craft and are invested in creating a reputable news source. It is in their interest to maintain credibility by continuing a tradition of honest reporting.
Public relations is closely tied to journalism and seismic shifts in the media landscape directly impact our work. On a high level, new sites such as the NewJerseyNewsroom aren’t likely to make a big difference in PR. We will still pitch the same reporters and topics – only the publication name will change.
But it will be important to remember that journalist-run newsrooms have limited resources, so expecting a journalist to fly across the country for an interview or send a photographer to your offices may be out of the question. For the same reason, they will likely focus on local news. Pitches should therefore have a strong local angle.
There may also be increased opportunities for byline articles. As we wrote in a previous post, byline articles can be an excellent way for companies to establish thought leadership and retain ownership of their messages. Thoughtful, relevant and non-self-promotional byline articles written by knowledgeable executives could make a great addition to journalist-operated newsrooms.
We commend the devoted journalists who start their own newsrooms, and will keep close tabs on this trend and its impact on PR.