Member Announcements:
New Media Investment Group buys the Fayetteville Observer (Poynter)
The company announced that it has acquired the family-owned Fayetteville Observer, which serves the eastern North Carolina city and nearby Fort Bragg, for $18 million.
AP expands, rebrands custom content and distribution service (AP)
AP has expanded and rebranded its custom content and distribution service under the name AP ContentWorks. AP ContentWorks offers distribution and project management, as well as content creation services. Content is delivered to AP’s member publishers and broadcasters via the Nativo platform.
Staff Announcements:
The New York Times: Suzanne Daley has been named associate editor. She will oversee the expanding international print and digital edition.
The Washington Post:
Karen Attiah has been named Global Opinions editor.
T.J. Ortenzi will become editor of the Facebook Live team.
News Media Alliance Announcements:
2016 Back-to-School Ad Download and run the latest ad from News Media Alliance, designed exclusively for members* This year, parents with school-aged children are projected to spend more than $27 billion on back-to-school shopping. And, where do they look to find the best deals? Newspaper media in print and online. We have provided the 2016 Back-to-School ad in PDF and EPS formats. These ads can be customized to include your logo and/or local information. Download the 2016 Back-to-School Ads here. *Member log-in required.
Retail Revenue Exchange Conference Members: Join us for the 2016 Retail Revenue Exchange Conference September 7-9 in Chicago. Members will have the opportunity to meet with key advertisers and agencies for productive 1-on-1 meetings in private suites. The deadline for the hotel room discount is August 17, so be sure to register soon! Contact Gay Mac Leod for more information or with questions. Register today! (member log-in required)
What We’re Reading:
How newspapers can convince advertisers to return to print (Marketing Week)
One of the main ways newspapers are winning back advertisers is by experimenting with new ad formats. Newspapers are also taking some cues from digital – taking on risk by launching new products that are allowed to fail fast.
For the people who block ads, is there any way to win them back?(Nieman Lab)
A new IAB study suggests that two-thirds of users with ad blockers might be convinced in the future to stop using them if they are given control over the ad experience, assured of safety and privacy, and not disrupted by ads.
Political conventions are proving grounds for VR (Digiday)
Live video might be all the rage during this year’s presidential conventions, but a few publishers are producing virtual reality and 360-degree videos from the events. During the Republican National Convention last week, ABC News, CNN and The Huffington Post were among the news outlets that published VR and 360-degree videos to give viewers a more immersive snapshot of what was happening on the ground in Cleveland.
What We’re Tweeting:
@NAAupdates: Do readers ignore your ads? @TomCoburn1 did, which is why he made @Jebbit to create micro-content that is engaging https://t.co/VBgO26UQW2
@NAACEO: @jimbrady is always worth reading: Why journalistic ethics don’t have to conflict with business successhttps://t.co/nCJL7JUr5Y via @DCNorg
Lindsey is Director, Communications at the News/Media Alliance. She has over 15 years of experience working in communications for nonprofits.