USA Today has had an iPad app for nearly two years, and one for an iPhone for even longer. Now, at least two of Gannett's community newspapers -- but probably many more soon -- are getting apps of their own.
In columns today about paywalls going up in the weeks ahead, the News Journal in Wilmington, Del., and the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, Ind., disclosed the iPad and iPhone app plans. The Indiana paper says a Droid version will follow "shortly."
Wilmington's paywall starts Feb. 7, and Lafayette's on Feb. 1.
Also like Wilmington, the Journal and Courier says it plans to hire additional staff "to help us deliver more sophisticated news and information." It didn't say how many, and didn't say whether these new hires would be a net increase for the newsroom.
In its column, Wilmington didn't give a specific number on its staffing plans, but it appears to be essentially confirming my earlier post, which said the paper was looking for four new employees.
In columns today about paywalls going up in the weeks ahead, the News Journal in Wilmington, Del., and the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, Ind., disclosed the iPad and iPhone app plans. The Indiana paper says a Droid version will follow "shortly."
Wilmington's paywall starts Feb. 7, and Lafayette's on Feb. 1.
Also like Wilmington, the Journal and Courier says it plans to hire additional staff "to help us deliver more sophisticated news and information." It didn't say how many, and didn't say whether these new hires would be a net increase for the newsroom.
In its column, Wilmington didn't give a specific number on its staffing plans, but it appears to be essentially confirming my earlier post, which said the paper was looking for four new employees.
The naysayers have been opining over the lack of digital progress. There are many, yes I said many, projects in the making. 2012 is going to be a memorable year in Gannett history. I know that's not popular with the haters but it is happening despite your wishes to the contrary. Now have at it haters. "it's only two!" "it's too late!" sane story different tune
ReplyDeleteHope it succeeds, 5:14. Hope it does.
ReplyDeleteSigned, a hater who wants to believe.
It comes down to content. Do the Gannett papers have enough smart, unique content? Can the sites be updated with timely news, scores and othe late breaking events? That's the key.
ReplyDeleteCount me as a skeptic who badly wants to believe that we will see progress in 2012. I have much invested career-wise but have been so disappointed so many times that it's difficult to think anything will change. Here's hoping
DeleteGannett just doesn't have the quality people in place to make anything positive happen in the future. No talent, no guidance and no real plan.
ReplyDelete@7:03 AM
ReplyDeleteI assure you it does, but due to corporate politics, it doesn't want to utilize them.
I love when an anonymous person makes a statement like 5:14, accuses everybody of being "Haters" and provides no details. This is the same story- Wait until 2011, 2010, 2009... The "Haters" are out there because you provide the same story every year with no detail, no plans and no examples of what worked that made a difference. Want to come on a blog like this and make a statement- Back it up!
ReplyDeleteNice speech. But since when do facts matter here. Anyone listening knows about the multiple projects going on. Yep, it's going to be a big year, a huge year.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletePlease detail the big projects that came to fruition in 2011. The major developments that created larger revenue streams, grew the business, increased market share or poised the company for growth, then.
ReplyDeleteNo need to share future nebulous multiple projects for this upcoming huge year - just give us some hope that the leadership in place last year and still here made any kind of meaningful strides. Unless of course they are one-trick ponies just holding out for the proper moment.
Bueller? Bueller?
In Lafayette, I don't see readers paying for the pay wall. They can just get the local news from the local web page at which they charge nothing. Print numbers will go down and they are, and it will continue to drop like a rock. Nothing like having to pay for your news, especially when their is nothing worth paying for..what a joke
ReplyDeletesorry guys, I used to work in the Digital area of GCI. Not much innovation just yet. There are too many "paper and inkers" calling shots in the Digital world right now. The innovation will take place when Gannett's infrastructure catches up to 2007-ish standards.
ReplyDeleteThis is a prime example. iPhone came out in?? 2007. and we're JUST NOW seeing it trickle down below USAT?? shameful.
On another note, its not always the local papers' fault. countless times in the past 4 years, requests from local markets to make their own iPhone/iPad app have been shot down by the Crystal Palace. Once the corporate red tape is slugged through, then you will get a clinical, homogeneous iOS app for your local market
Hey 5:14. Want to see how this is playing out? Go to the Facebook pages or article comments for those sites that have made the paywall announcement. Comments are running at least 3 to 1 against the move.
ReplyDeleteThe big G is foolish to think that there is some silent majority willing to pay for obits, AP content and a story about the local bridge club.