Mathew's comments - Latest Comments in Media: Okay, so is it time to panic yet?

Re: Media: Okay, so is it time to panic yet?

mathewi — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:50:07 -0000

I think you're probably right, George. Happy to chat any time.

Re: Media: Okay, so is it time to panic yet?

Agoracom - George — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:31:55 -0000

Mathew, I smell a serious opportunity. I saw the void in the small-cap world and my efforts have paid huge dividends. We need a Canadian version of Huffington and I don't think it is going to come from any of the major media brands.

Given internet usage in Canada http://tinyurl.com/63nny5 a US type experience is nay and current economic conditions will only hasten it.

We should chat.

GT

Re: Media: Okay, so is it time to panic yet?

Doug Poretz — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:34:18 -0000

I bring the perspective of someone who has spent 40 years or so on that side of the communications business that works with/for those who want to communicate messages to targeted audiences through ad and p.r. and interactive campaigns, etc.. Those are the guys that generate most of the revenue for most of those who provide the distribution channel for those messages (the media). Currently, I am co-founder and partner at a successful communications firm in DC. Anyhow ....

I think there is about to be a really fundamental change in media. I wrote about it recently at my blog, www.deathoftime.com under the title "The Message Is The Medium; Get Ready For A New Era Of Communications Campaigns." My basic premise is that the dynamic global political and economic environment will result in a mission-critical level need on the part of special interest groups of all sizes and ilks to defend their current positions and/or promote new changes that will benefit them. This will translate into a fight for who controls messages and thereby frames the debates that may start as soon as in a lame duck session of congress. This will create a surge in advertising of "support this"-type messages. At the same time, the "buy this" messages that have dominated and shaped our culture will be moved to much more efficient environments and aimed in a more targeted way than ever before.

Also at the same time, my side of the industry will be changed. That is, communications firms have been identified by virtue of the distribution channel. For example, "advertising" and advertising agencies communicate messages by buying media; PR firms communicate by "earning" coverage in news media; sports marketing firms focus on communicating a message through an event; and so on. But in an era when you can get to your targets through numerous channels, it is crazy and counter-productive to structure the industry on the basis of the channel.

What will these trends result in? I believe we will see a more fundamental change to the communications industry with deeper impact at a faster speed than is currently predicted, even among those who think the situation is dire for communications companies. But out of this, new names and new models will emerge -- none of the existing leaders look to me as prospects for creating the new models.

Re: Media: Okay, so is it time to panic yet?

mathewi — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:54:00 -0000

Thanks, Desarae.

Re: Media: Okay, so is it time to panic yet?

desarae — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:39:56 -0000

I love all your references and you make a ton of valid points about the industry, however I think your best bet is in integration. Broadening your horizons and embracing the innovative industry changes towards online medias. By integrating technology into journalism's high standards and the ability to give people content in new ways -- well its phenomenal and exciting. I love blogs for example, but unlike journalism many bloggers do not hold themselves to the high standards of integrity and research intensive reporting necessary to keep the readers trust. Anyway, just my two cents, but love the post.

Desarae
http://www.dveit.com

Re: Media: Okay, so is it time to panic yet?

mathewi — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:48:03 -0000

I agree, Greg. I guess we need to create one :-)

Re: Media: Okay, so is it time to panic yet?

Greg — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:42:28 -0000

Just yesterday I was reading about old media's decline at nytimes.com and it made me think two things. One the one hand, I guess I'm lucky to be in Canada because, as you've noted, we've managed to escape the decline (until now at least). But on the other hand, assuming one day I leave my job, or am forced out of my job, where do I go? If old media is falling apart and layoffs are happening all over the place, what's next for people like me -- people in media?

Despite the cynicism and bleak outlook a real opportunity for Canadian media institutions exists: there's no clear online winner as far as journalism within this country goes and someone needs to take top spot.

Re: Media: Okay, so is it time to panic yet?

mathewi — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:00:47 -0000

Thanks Jeff.

Re: Media: Okay, so is it time to panic yet?

McLarty — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:36:57 -0000

I could lie and say "It's going to be okay"...but it probably isn't ( ~3 yrs out )...but I'm not lieing when I say "It's going to be okay FOR YOU". You're smart, you'll land on your feet, no matter what happens.

I would suggest you move before it's too late. Don't go down with the ship, or wait it out. Like, start looking for a new job - book author? entrepreneur? world traveller? photographer? got any other passions?