Who would save the Bay State Banner?
By adamg - Wed, 07/08/2009 - 9:34pm.
About Black Boston lists local media outlets that might consider taking over the now defunct paper - and suggests why the new owner might want to actually charge readers for it.
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To me, it's obvious
The first thought that came to mind when I heard the news a couple days ago was South End News / Bay Windows publishers Sue O'Connell and Jeff Coakley.
I don't know what their balance sheet looks like, but they seem to be doing alright in this downturn. I always assumed that Bay Windows subsidized South End News, perhaps it can subsidize another paper, too?
And, their publishing empire now includes Edge Boston, etc., which has a strong online presence. I think they're doing something right.
If introductions need to be made, I would be happy to do so! (Although I know none of the people involved ...)
If all that's needed is
If all that's needed is subsidizing, you're welcome to step up.
What?
I miss your point. What was it?
I believe his point is that
I believe his point is that newspapers are businesses, not subsidy providers, and that if you nonetheless propose charity as the solution, you should be the first to contribute rather than volunteering others.
There is no evidence that the papers you mention are doing well; their ad holes and page counts have shrunk dramatically in recent months, particularly for the South End News. What would be the financial motivation to take on another, failed newspaper, with all of its liabilities and lack of revenue stream?
I'm not amused.
As I said, I don't know the financials, but it was always my guess that Bay Windows subsidizes South End News, and that the publishers kept South End News running as a public service, if for no other reason.
And, there was a revenue stream during the campaign for 3rd Suffolk State Rep, I can tell you that! I poured thousands of dollars into the two newspapers.
Roxbury Reporter, anyone?
Adam, do your friends at the Dorchester Reporter have any interest in branching out into Roxbury?
Dunno
I haven't talked to them about the folding of the Banner, beyond some initial discussion about how surprising it was.
Speaking strictly for myself here (obligatory disclaimer: I do work for the Reporter folks), it might make sense: They already cover a lot of news of interest to the black community via the Dorchester, Mattapan and Boston Haitian Reporters.
This post ignores the core
This post ignores the core industry-wide and Banner-specific problem of loss of advertising revenue. The idea that charging readers for copies of the newspaper would be any kind of significant financial contribution is ludicrous (see also, the Globe). There is no reason to think that any of the cited publications are themselves financially stable enough to take on a failed paper; nor is there much likelihood of anyone expanding coverage into an area that obviously lacks the advertising revenue to pay for that coverage.
I was going to call for a Universal Hub moratorium on newspaper-saving advice from people who clearly know nothing about the newspaper/advertising business. But it is in fact instructive, due to the vicious circle involved. After all, as the Internet arrived, publishers and advertisers took the everything-for-nothing attitude of these uninformed masses as gospel, and now they're paying the price. Boston loses a well-informed newspaper and gains an ignorant blogger.... Same new story.
customer loyalty is a wonderful ingredient
Thanks Adam,
I didn't know you worked for the Dorchester Reporter but I'm glad to know you do. That's awesome! Ya'll do good work!
I think Melvin Miller's business decision to take time off and flow with the circumstances makes a lot of sense. I believe the Banner's base will stick it out and wait for them to figure it out.
Not sure how long, but they'll wait.
What does the list of potential revenue sources for a newspaper other than advertising and subscription sales look like, anyone?