In a world where traditional newspapers are dying out, print reporters are trying to find a way to keep newspapers (and their jobs) alive. That's why a new campaign was started by the Newspaper Association of America, called "Smart is the new Sexy". According to the CNN article http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/27/tech/social-media/newspapers-smart-sexy-campaign/index.html, the NAA wants to "generate a national dialogue about the value of newspaper media-- by asking consumers their thoughts on how being smart can be attractive. The campaign encourages consumers to share their personal connection to newspapers through the papers' Facebook and Twitter accounts -- with the hashtag #smartsexy -- to spark conversations online." Readers are also asked to make videos about what newspapers mean to them, and the best ones are showcased on NAA's YouTube and Facebook pages.
I think this is a great idea by newspapers. I am one of the young news followers who usually reads news on twitter or facebook, rather than obtaining a hard copy. Like the article said-- sex sells-- creating the idea that smart is the new sexy will definitely turn the heads of young readers. I'm sad to say, I believe that traditional newspapers will eventually die out, but I'm glad that newspapers are adopting these current/trendy forms of media.
I feel that the real challenge for newspapers is not going to be attracting readers but finding out how to get people to pay for the news is going to be increasingly difficult with all the wealth of free information out there. The first newspaper that made their iPad app free set the tone for how digital news is going to be run. While their printing costs will be eliminated, their selling revenue is now forfeited. Their primary source of revenue is now solely dependent on advertising and as many know, that can fluctuate with many different factors.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, although i do agree with you that there are for sure signs that news papers are dying out and going in a different directions but i think there is something to be said about the aesthetic feel of having your news paper in your hands. I don't know if america will get away from that anytime in the near future. Many people from older generations are still attached to the sight of a paper delivery or picking up their paper on their front door in the morning. Definitely the way everything is moving i just don't know if its in the near future!
ReplyDeleteNewspaper are a dying trend. With many newspapers posting all of their headlines on the internet, people don't need hard copies anymore. I agree Nick, newspapers represent an American tradition. While I don't think society will ever be rid of them, they definitely aren't getting any popular.
ReplyDeleteWith newspapers being brushed back by online connectivity and more resources for news than anyone could ever need or imagine, this campaign couldn't really hurt. It just seems a bit tacky the way the NAA is going about trying to renew the popularity. Asking readers to make videos, and the best ones to be posted online isn't a bad idea at all, in fact I like it. I just think that the whole "sex" portion of this is a bit too much, possibly stooping too low to gain attention in some people's minds... at least this blogger's for one.
ReplyDeleteI think its a great idea for the newspapers. Will it actually make someone use a newspaper instead? I don't believe it will but its worth a shot. I actually like getting my local news from a newspaper, it is just too easy instead of having to find it on their website.
ReplyDelete