The Future of Newspapers etc.is Digital

Guest post by: Jeff Ogden
Become an Author

Free PDF Download
Making a Marketing Reality Check - By Jeff Ogden

Movie, Music and Print Companies think you want to steal their content for free. This is why they are wrong.

As the President of the b2b demand generation companyFind New Customers, I love to keep up with news and I want to share an observation with you.

Newspaper Death Watch - is a website chronicling the decline of newspapers. That's where you find articles like Fewer Newspapers Deliver Daily.

"Nowhere else is the demise of daily delivery more dramatic than in Michigan, where more than two-thirds of households will be unable get seven-day service after the end of January (2012). "

The biggest challenge facing businesses like newspapers are dealing with rapid change. When I interviewed the foremost expert on change for Mad Marketing TV, Jeffrey Hayzlett, he shared ideas from his book, Running the Gauntlet. Click the link to watch the show.

Here are a couple of lessons for the print industry (and Hollywood, music, etc.) that I've learned and wish to share.

The Future is Digital

I now read the New York Times on an iPad2 and I find that the experience is vastly superior to print. I can view a slide show, watch a video, share on social networks, and get updates in real time. In fact, it is so much better than print that I canceled delivery for both the New York Times and Wall St. Journal. That says to me that the print versions are going the way of the buggy whip, the film industry, etc. It won't happen overnight, but every publication needs to invest in a strong digital platform. (Are you listening Newsday? - your online paper sucks.)

People Want Low-Cost, not Free

In the battle over SOPA, this was said in the New York Times (Sunday, 1/22/2012, Business Section). "There's no reason we can't get together and work together," said Michael O'Leary, a senior executive vice president for the Motion Picture Association of America. "But it's difficult to do business with a business model that is based on theft." (my highlight)

Is that really true? Are people committed to stealing music and movies? The answer is no. Sorry, Michael. You're dead wrong.

Apple remade the music industry at $1.99 a song - not free. iTunes is a huge cash cow for Apple. But the best example by far of how theft is not the issue is the comedian Louis CK. He posted a comedy show online and gave people two options:

Download it for free (steal it)
Pay him $5

In 12 days, Louis CK raked in a cool million dollars. Think about that - Louis CK offered people a chance to LEGALLY steal his show, but a huge number decided to pay the reasonable fee.

The lesson is clear. Hollywood and the music industry say information wants to be free - people will steal it, but the reality is that people are willing to pay a modest amount.

Here's the bottom line for newspapers, music and movies - the future is digital and low cost - it is NOT free.

Use Digital Publishing to Brand Business Online

Why digital media won't take over print.

5 Digital Marketing Advantages

DVDs, Blu-ray discs may be around longer than most pundits think

Traditional Media Obsolete by 2030?

Why \"We\'re the Leading Provider of\" is NOT!

How to Make PDF Flip Book with Flip Book Creator

Top Ten FREE Online UK PR Resources

By Knowing Exactly Whom You Are Selling Will Increase Sales

Digital Marketing via Internet

A Small Step to Greening Your Business- The iPhone Digital Business Card

New Study Suggests Lessons for Online Journalism

Get More Attention from Customers with Epublications Instead of PDF

Why Advertise

Digital Branding is Great ... But Don't Forget The Strategy!

Public Relations Firm

Digital Agency: The Modern Business of Today

Lesson #2: Understand the Future and Your Place in It

Get High Revenue from Online Publications

Don't Become a Digital Dinosaur

Home > Marketing > Jeff Ogden > The Future of Newspapers etcis Digital > Google +

Free PDF Download
Making a Marketing Reality Check - By Jeff Ogden

About the Author: Jeff Ogden

RSS for Jeff's articles - Visit Jeff's website
Global leader for General Electric for The Pedowitz Group. Also the host of the B2B marketing show, Marketing Made Simple TV. We help companies rapidly grow revenue by transforming the ways they attract, engage and win new customers.

With 8 out of 10 companies saying the lack of quality sales leads is their biggest problem, they need help. SiriusDecisions also found that fewer than 1 out of 10 companies that implement lead management software went beyond the basics. They need help.

We help companies implement world class lead generation programs. Companies need quality sales leads, so they need sales lead generation programs including social media marketing. They need to implement lead nurturing programs. We are considered one of the best leads generation companies in business today.
Click here to visit Jeff's website.

More from Jeff Ogden
Definitive Guide Making Quota
How to Find New Customers
7 Keys to Lead Nurturing
7 Keys to B2B Marketing Succes

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

The Future of Newspapers etc.is Digital

Related Articles

Related Forum Posts

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.


Name:
Email: