Tuesday, January 11

Broadcasting Still Top Information Source In Emergencies

New media helped connect in the aid and recovery effort following last year's devastating earthquake in Haiti, but radio remained the most effective communications tool, though it proved even more effective in partnership with some of those new technologies. That is according to a just-released report from the Knight Foundation.

While interactive maps, crowd-sourcing information, texting and handheld GPS devices all played a part in the effort, the report cautions against calling it a new media success story, citing the fact that there was a lack of coordination and understanding of just how to use some of the new tools, given that it was a new experience for the new media.

"As in past crises around the world," Knight said, "radio continued to be the most effective tool for serving the information needs of the local population."

That said, Mark Frohardit, VP of humanitarian programs for Internews, which teamed with Knight on the study, said that some of those new technologies enhanced the effectiveness and reach of radio.

Read more at Broadcasting & Cable

Sunday, January 9

Split Over Revenue Models

Practically every major publisher is rushing to get their publications on the iPad (and a seemingly endless array of other handheld devices) -- but not everyone agrees on exactly how they are going to make money from digital distribution.

At least that's what a new survey from Harrison Group and Zinio suggests. The survey of 476 publishing industry professionals found that 74% were already engaged in creating and distributing digital versions of their publications, with slightly less than half -- 43% -- maintaining separate print and digital operations.

A separate, parallel survey of consumers found that they placed the highest priority on being able to freely share content; they also expect to be able to view (and share) digital publications across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and the like.

Whereas 74% of publishers believe subscriptions are still the way to go with digital products, just 13% of consumers agreed; the other 87% of consumers were split among several options, including unlimited access at a set price (33%), single-copy sales (25%), micropayments for individual items and articles (16%), and prepaid credit plans (14%).

Read more at Media Post