With journalism’s methods, business models, and even role models being redefined on a daily basis, it can be tough to maintain perspective on what is happening. And there is innovation out there. The evolution of our trade is, of course, daily fare at CJR.org, but this issue provides an all-too-rare opportunity to take the long view. Thus here’s a snapshot of what’s working and what to watch for—as of this moment, anyway. Soon, it will all be different, but for now, here are dispatches from the front and big questions to ponder, plus some cool new tools.
- Steven B. Shepard surveys the current state of disruption: Will the Daily Bugle survive?
- Clay Shirky digs into the long-fundamental media business model: Failing geometry
- Simon Dumenco asks, is the banner ad dead? What’s next in advertising: Long may it wave
- Michael Meyer visits a healthy local news startup, This Land Press in Tulsa: Made for you and me
- C. W. Anderson compares the fates of three digital news startups: What’s the best model for a digital news business?
- Kira Goldenberg investigates new formats for journalistic storytelling: The genuine article
- Robert Hernandez recommends new software and tools for news nerds: App pupil
- Brent Cunningham tells how Homicide Watch hopes to kickstart its future: Murder Inc.
- Emily Bell envisions a data-rich future for journalism—so embrace it: Journalism by numbers
- Hazel Sheffield on Voice of San Diego’s membership rewards: Perks, not paywalls
- Sara Morrison looks at The Sacramento Press’s user-generated model: By the people
