Thursday, August 24, 2006


Should we broadcast news on the web?

I met last week with the founder of an internet-based audio news service called the Quality News Network. This embryonic outfit consists of about a half-dozen journalists in Monterey, CA who write and present an hourly news report intended to serve as a more substantive alternative to network radio. They also do interview programs, candidate interviews and the like.

They want some kind of relationship with us. At the simplest level, we might link to (or otherwise implement) their newscasts from our websites, adding an audio component and, presumably, some advertising opportunities.

If you get a chance, go to Quality News Network and listen to a little of their work. Let me know if you think it's the kind of thing that would enhance your website.
–Howard Weaver

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:10 AM

    After a quick investigation lasting, oh, about three minutes, I wonder if an alliance with QNN would have more than marginal benefit to McClatchy in general and the individual papers in particular.

    We have a strong local-news partnership with the NPR affiliate here in Miami, one that works both on the air and on-line. Maybe I'm over reaching, but I wonder if the new McClatchy doesn't have sufficient size and credibility to go for something with NPR or MS-NBC -- that is, a major player rather than one that aspires to be a player.

    Tom Fiedler

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  2. I like the idea of giving visitors to our Web site a quick-hit newscast of the top stories of the hour.

    I checked a QNN sample and found it well done, although I found the fake teletype background annoying and deceptive. Teletypes haven't been used in 20 years.

    Looking into a freelance or network partnership seems like a good idea.

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