Reinventing the Colorado Springs Independent - a modest proposal
The news of the Colorado Springs Independent closing its doors landed today. Here's a proposal to remake this iconic newspaper for the 21st Century. Like so many newspapers, the newspaper itself is obsolescent and no longer needed. But its mission can still live on and in a profitable way. My prediction is that newspapers (the ones that survive) will or have already adapted to this new environment. As Gale Snoats so eloquently put it in Raising Arizona: "I'd rather light a candle than curse your darkness."
Modest proposal to reinvent the Colorado Springs Independent
? Transition as a for profit. Sell the brand pay off the debt.
? Recruit local investors for a five-year ramp.
? Staff of six or less: publisher, editorial director, digital director, sales director and reporters one news/investigative one arts/culture (recruit interns and invite/budget freelance contributions)
? Create digital platform with tentacles; Linked in, Meta, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit
? Establish strong video presence (interviews w/relevant story subjects) that dovetail with written stories. Include live broadcasts for subscribers.
? Take the gloves off. Hard-hitting investigative pieces and controversial subjects no one wants to talk about.
? Publish 1-5 pieces per week + plus EOW roundup.
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? Distribute liberally among all channels w/advertising revenue built-in.
? Include invitation for exclusive subscriptions. Subscribers get advance notice of stories or exclusive content + invitation to exclusive events parties at designated advertisers or interactive interviews/speaking engagements.
? Offer advertiser clear straightfoward opportunities that allow for tracking i.e. BOGO offers etc exclusive offers to readership through the web site.
? Create weekly/monthly reports for advertisers that show/demonstrate click throughs and walk-ins. Clear and accurate ROI is a must.
? Estimated annual budget $500k or less
? Net profit margins 10-20%
? Grow subscriber base by 30% a year. Grow staff incrementally as budget allows.
? All work done remote with Microsoft Teams/Zoom.