LANCASTER SUNDAY NEWS
Front page artic “LNP names top editors for print and online…” continues:
“Aiming to deliver on its goal of becoming the ‘go-to’ news organization for Lancaster County residents, Lancaster Newspapers Inc. has undergone a major transformation.
“The company has combined the staffs of its Sunday and daily newspapers, and has put in place a new roster of editors…”
WATCHDOG: Given the rapid demise in general of the print media, we respect the Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.’s need to significantly reduce its costs of operations … perhaps by 50% across the board over the next two years and 90% when it finally stops publication of print editions.
But is this the equivalent of ‘re-arranging the chairs on the Titanic’ or is the main story not being told concerning how many are being laid off and structural changes undertaken?
We wonder if they understand how uncertain is their survival even as an Internet site. It would not take that large of an investment over the next few years for NewsLanc.com to provide local and sports coverage and position itself to compete for advertisement. It already excels in state and competes in national and international coverage.
They need not be concerned so long as this Watchdog is in charge. He may be the Lancaster Newspaper Inc.’s sharpest critic, but also its greatest admirer.
Me thinks the watchdog pats his back to ardently. I contend that internet publications focusing on boroughs and townships will provide the local news and a few major outlets the national and world news. News gatekeepers are a thing of the past.
EDITOR: Could be. If so, all the more vulnerability for the Lancaster Newspapers and greater the likelihood of a major Internet challenger for news, commentary and features pertaining to the region, state, nation and world.
It will be very interesting in the days and weeks ahead to see how many by-lines are no longer appearing in print. If LNP was really serious about having ‘Top Editors” they would be looking outside the ivory coated castle a 8 W. King Street, and bring in new faces with new ideas and new perspectives. Reshuffling the existing deck will only result in more of the “same old, same old”.
So sad, so boring.