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Uncertain Times Require Fast Action
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 Developments in the media business are happening so fast, you often wonder what's around the corner. That's exactly why you need to focus on your future through exchanging ideas and seeking new revenue streams.
Two meetings are coming up on the schedule that you need to attend.
First, a publishers retreat is planned in Baltimore, Maryland at the Maryland Pennysaver for late in January. The exact date hasn't been set, but the agenda will be a wide-open discussion of "Where Do We Go From Here?" AFCP President Orestes Baez will serve as the host. Attendance is limited to 25 people, so look for registration information in the coming days. And, sign up quickly.
Second, you can't afford to miss the upcoming AFCP Conference in Myrtle Beach. The expanded, in-depth Publisher's Track will provide you with detailed information to help you shape the future of your company. A full Technology Track will bring you up to speed on new opportunities and threats. A session on organizing your company for transition will help you get the right people in the right places to effectively move quickly with this changing world. And the Leadership Institute will help improve your sales force' selling skills.
You really can't afford to miss this meeting. Register today!
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Sponsor Exodus From Troubled Nascar Nation
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Cash King Hits the Skids as Ad Dollars, Viewership Fall and Fans Stay Home
By
Rich Thomaselli
Published: December 08, 2008
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Once-unstoppable Nascar is hitting a wall as
its fan base erodes, race attendance declines, TV ratings slip, the
auto industry implodes and economically stressed marketers slam the
brakes on sponsorships. The pileup is so big that Nascar, long held up
as the gold standard in sports marketing due to its followers --
fiercely loyal to the sport and its sponsoring brands -- had to lay off
1,000 employees and is fretting over whether it could actually lose
money next year.
Read more...
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The Miami Herald Is Said to Be for Sale
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By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA
Published: December 5, 2008
The McClatchy Company,
burdened by debt and a steep slide in newspaper advertising, wants to
sell one of its most-prized properties, The Miami Herald, according to
people briefed on the company's plans.
McClatchy, the nation's
third-largest newspaper chain, has approached potential buyers for The
Herald, said these people, who asked for anonymity because they were
not authorized to discuss the issue. But they said they knew of no
serious offers for the paper, reflecting the evaporation of major
investors' interest in buying newspapers.
The company refused to discuss the matter. Elaine Lintecum, the treasurer, said, "We do not comment on market rumors."
Read more...
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In this time of uncertainty, one can only wonder what metro daily newspapers will look like in five years (or maybe two). Several metro dailies are for sale with no apparent buyers stepping up to the plate. At last glance, the list included:
- The Miami Herald
- The San Diego Union
- The Rock Mountain News (Denver)
And, today Tribune Co. (owners of the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Orlando Sentinel and the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel among others and the Chicago Cubs) sought protection from creditors by filing bankruptcy.
Our industry is hurting, too, and there have already been some free papers ceasing publication. Sadly, others will follow. But for those who can weather this storm, continue serving your local community, learn new techniques for introducing advertisers to potential customers, and maintain a solid employee base of highly qualified, energetic folks, rewards will be forthcoming.
Cheers,
Craig McMullin
AFCP
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