A media company in Belgium is trying a weird radical sci-fi method to attract PAID readers under age 65. The media company clearly finds this weird approach distasteful but feels it’s needed if they want to survive.
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Mediahuis carried out qualitative research to find out what young people would pay for. The reading experience should fit their habits – meaning snackable, fast and including video – and that it must be clear what the added value is compared to being a free user.
Debusschere said: “If a subscription comes at a price you have to tell them this is what you get for the extra price. Young people expect more than a stream of newspaper articles. They want you to be their guide and to give them news in a very exciting, snackable way.” The newsroom has also been urged to create more snackable and video content to help draw young people in.
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Congrats! You may not like it, but you’ve just reinvented the NEWSPAPER.
Before “investigative reporting” dominated journalism, newspapers were exciting and snackable, with lots of pictures and short features. A bite-sized snack is worth paying for, especially if it’s seen as reflecting REAL LIFE.
The Watergate coup turned the press toward long “investigative” pieces. By a mysterious coincidence, “investigation” is always arrogant and elitist, showing a blatant disdain and hatred for normal people living a normal life. By yet another mysterious happenstance, “investigation” always favors the rich and raises Share Value.
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