A catchy little phrase that’s making the rounds at your newspaper I’m sure. But what does that mean? Specifically, what does that mean at your organization?

The meaning behind the saying is newspapers need to change the way they do business, and do it fast. The last 100 years of the way you did things will not keep you alive in today’s economy and ever changing media climate. So what do you do?

I could be over simplifying this, but it comes down to education and communication for your staff.

Most newsrooms have people that are eager to experiment and learn. It is imperative that every news organization have some kind of in-house continuing education program that is accessible to everybody.

Think about it like this. Would you go to a doctor who never step foot in a classroom after medical school? Of course not, which is why the AMA requires continuing education for all physicians. The news industry is no different. It is constantly changing, and to keep on top of this change requires continuing education.

Define the road blocks to new media at your organization the develop a program around those. Common ones I see are:

  • Understanding video
  • RSS feeds
  • Social media
  • Mobile technology
  • Using search effectively
  • General PC knowledge

Your list may vary, but ask around in various departments and you will get a very extensive list.

I know times are tough, but now is not the time to shut down any funds for conferences, seminars or workshops. Many states put on local, or somewhat local, workshops. Here in Maine we have NENMA and NENA that put on some great, reasonably priced workshops.

Communication is key in any relationship, personal or professional. There are a lot of organizations that communicate often and very well with their employees. I can’t speak for everybody, but my current employer does this so well it’s almost annoying. Our HR and Marketing departments use email and print newsletters as well as good ‘ole fashioned bulletin boards to keep us up-to-date on things. Our company newsletter, FYI, even includes an area called “Counting The Beans” that tells us how well, or poor, we are doing as a company. I recently visited one company that keeps their books open to their employees. They can see everything from the electric bill to paychecks.

So what does all of this have to do with innovation? I haven’t talked about one innovative idea. True, but what I’m suggesting here is to create an environment that fosters innovation. The innovative and creative ideas will come from your staff if you give them a safe haven for exploration that must include education and communication.

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