George Brock’s Out of Print: Newspapers, Journalism and the Business of News in the Digital Age

In his newly published book, Out of Print: Newspapers, Journalism and the Business of News in the Digital Age, George Brock, former Times executive and current head of journalism at City University London, provides an insightful and detailed analysis of journalism through history and reviews the effects of the digital age on journalism’s current state, as well as its potential future.

Quartz reaps the rewards of its forward-thinking strategies

Any avid observer of news trends will have noticed that in 2013 the biggest pieces of ‘news news’ have been mobile-first strategies and sponsored content. Quartz magazine, launched a year ago, foresaw the potential of both of these trends and now seems to be reaping the rewards of being one step ahead of the curve.

Towards newsroom convergence and content divergence at Le Figaro

Le Figaro’s digital journey and newsroom organisation were the focus of the first masterclass of the Journalism School at Sciences Po University in Paris this week. Jean-Michel Salvator, Deputy Managing Editor of Le Figaro, spoke about the difficult process of newsroom integration and online culture.

Can journalists be objective on social media?

Recent warnings in Kenya to journalists using social media sites highlight the power of these online forums, and the growing difficulties faced by journalists as the boundaries between personal and professional life are blurred online. As social media sites become increasingly influential and increasingly accessed, issues of objectivity and professional codes of conduct are called into question.

Reuters cancels ‘Next’

The decision of Reuters to cancel its forward-looking direct-to-client news interface, called ‘Next’, has been met with surprise.

Press regulation update: Cameron calls for compromise

British Prime Minister David Cameron used an appearance in front of the Commons Liaison Committee to call on fellow party leaders to reach a compromise on press regulation. While Mr Cameron’s new glasses fascinated at least one news outlet reporting on the event, the PM’s address to members of parliament could have significant consequences for Britain’s press.

The Economist live debate highlights growing emphasis on reader/publication interaction

The Economist’s live debate and Facebook coverage on Friday about the upcoming German election raises interesting questions about the way in which journalists are trying to connect with their readers – and how developments in social and digital media are accentuating the differences between print and online journalism.

No news is good news for South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma

In an address to journalism students visiting Parliament from Tshwane University of Technology, South African President Jacob Zuma bemoaned the “overly negative” image of the country portrayed in the media, suggesting it deterred foreign investment and painted a stay-away image. Citing a trip to Mexico as deputy president, he lauded the “patriotic reporting” that kept bad news out of the country’s press. What President Zuma failed to acknowledge is that the Mexican media has been under constant violent attack for its attempts to cover the ongoing consequences of the “War on Drugs”, and that the silence he so praised is a desperate sign of the country’s democratic failings.

Libération’s website relaunch prepares paper for digital future

Libération, the French national daily founded forty years ago by Jean-Paul Sartre and Serge July, has a new look online. Summer 2013 has seen the paper’s editorial team revamp Libé’s digital products, both as a means of capitalising on the title’s recent growth online and on mobile devices and to compensate for the title’s 17 per cent drop in newsstand sales.

Breathe new life to content archives at Media Hack Day in Berlin

Berlin’s credentials as a creative city, particularly for media, technology and startups, make it an ideal place to harness the imagination and ideas of the tech community and invest this in the future of news media.