Going Out of Business

"If you don't change direction, you'll end up where you're going."

I'm sorry about the lack of attribution, but I don't know who came up with that quote. I read it recently, and it struck me as a simple way to explain what is happening to news organizations across the country.

It's most apparent in the newspaper industry, but broadcast news providers are going somewhere they don't want to go either. Namely - out of business.

So in a way, I feel blessed. A lot of PBS member stations don't put any money toward regular news programming. Our news team has the support of our board and chief executive. WXXI is ahead of the game when it comes to working with our sister radio station and developing outside partnerships to further our news efforts. We've been trying some experimental things online, and we have regular discussions about how to fit our "product" into the digital world.

However. we're changing direction without a map. Anyone still in the news business today has to be a pioneer...an explorer...an inventor...an entrepreneur.

I'm feeling up to the challenge. I've never been too good at following maps, but eventually I always make it home.