I noticed the following small Chrysler.com ad (circled, below) on top of the Newsline column today. How long has USA Today been selling that position? As I post this, Chrysler has the top ad spot on the paper's website. (Bigger .pdf page view; check out the current rate card.)
Got a Gannett front page to recommend? Find it in the Newseum's page one database, then post a link in the comments section, below. To e-mail confidentially, write jimhopkins[at]gmail[dot-com]; see Tipsters Anonymous Policy in the rail, upper right.
[Image: Newseum]
[Image: Newseum]
Note: Rumor Central says Dodge has bought a four-page advertising wrap that will cover USAT's front page on Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of USA Today's augmented reality Super Bowl features Friday and today, Jim?
ReplyDeleteIncredible investigative journalism. A small ad on Page One discovered! How long has it been there? We have team coverage!
ReplyDeleteIt is part of the larger Chrysler campaign, it helps pay the bills, it does not cross any ethical line, no reder is confused and if you think it is worth circling excitedly and demanding an explanation, well, must be a slow news day.
Incredible investigative journalism
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! Take it easy! Calm down! It was only a question.
PHEW!
I think you're downplaying USAT's influence. Its formatting/design changes are closely watched in the newspaper industry.
ReplyDeleteIF the Dodge rumor is true, "grandpa" Al will be in quite a tizzy.
ReplyDelete12:44 Indeed. I wouldn't count on his suggested newsroom walkout, however.
ReplyDeleteRevenue = paper. Paper gives you guys something to write on. You're welcome.
ReplyDeleteWait until you see Wednesday's front page.
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with ad on Newsline section. It's revenue to support the editorial and does not affect editorial independence. USA TODAY is very innovative in getting revenue. I think it is the first US newspaper to have ad strip on the front page. Now WSJ and NYT are following the suit.
I didn't mean to suggest there is anything wrong with this ad placement. I merely wanted to know if this is something new.
ReplyDeleteI should have noted earlier, however, that this advertisement isn't labeled as an ad -- which is highly unusual in newspaper publishing, and the wrong direction to be heading.
ReplyDeleteHere's the problem: newspapers, including USAT, often using corporate logos to illustrate stories. In this case, failing to ID this as advertising potentially leaves the reader confused: is this an ad, or editorial? And that confusion, of course, is what Chrysler wants to sow.
I am all for editorial integrity, but I think Journalists make far too big a deal about it. Readers are more savvy today than they have ever been and are not nearly as "confused" about the difference between the two. Stop treating the reader like an idiot.
ReplyDeleteQuite the opposite: Failing to label advertising as such is to treat the reader as an idiot -- and s sucker. I'm certain Chrysler prefers these unlabeled ads plus today's today's wrap over traditional advertising. This just gives readers another reason to distrust news media.
ReplyDeleteOnly one question. What happens when there is a negative Chrysler news item worth the Newsline. .. Say.. A major recall? Do editors reorder the editorial judgment? Or is the mission truly independent.
ReplyDelete