This week, after speaking with Chris Tolles, Greg Sterling wrote post detailing his opinion on the what the newspaper would look like in the future.

Of course, I gave my opinion-

To get to the point you are describing the newspaper would have to know specifically what makes them unique (casinos in AC, etc) and then do something they have a hard time doing- Audience Development and Consumer Awareness.

I believe the model of the future will look something like this-

- Strategic FREE Distribution
- A web focus that make the site a destination with heavy focus on RSS and SEO so they can deliver content anywhere the user wants and be found easily in search results.
- Luxury priced Home Delivery for those who really want it.

For community newspapers the ad networks will only be a drop in the bucket unless they can figure out a way to get more page views or deeper targeting (to drive up the cpm)

The agency approach along with a Machiavellian approach to ‘Self Service’ where you provide the local business with options to advertise with you, your competitor, or any medium that can deliver results. In this scenario the newspaper becomes the Hyperlocal agency and makes money off the placement, etc.

It’s a nice post and it made me think.. What do the talented people in our industry think the future looks like?

On that note, I read an eye opening post by Howard Owens describing the amount of key talent that has left the industry. On a bright note, I just heard from a trusted source that at least one person on the list will begin working as early as next week.