David H. Deans

10 Suggestions for Media Survival

Regarding #2, I would suggest that the BlogBurst Network is a good place to look for collaborative editorial talent, and a forward-looking 21st Century Reportage business model in action. [Disclosure: I'm a member of the network]

Jeff, all these other suggestions merit serious consideration, but there's one very significant item that's not on your or Mr. Roussel's list -- legacy big media companies must be prepared to address their dysfunctional corporate culture.

In the airline industry, PanAm and TWA proved the point that a long legacy of successful operations can actually be a detriment when it comes time to embrace sweeping changes in the industry.

Which of the major traditional newspapers have candidly tackled their legacy corporate culture, exposed the issues that will bankrupt the business, and then demand that all stakeholders either embrace the new plan or leave?

My point: it's likely that subversion from within is killing the print media industry -- not a lack of innovative ideas, minimal external partnering or superior competitor strategy.