What If The AP Focused On Providing Business Services Instead Of Content To Newspapers?

from the that-could-work... dept

Tue, Aug 4th 2009 10:11pm — Mike Masnick

There's obviously been a lot of Associated Press-bashing around these parts lately, as the cooperative has been making a series of strategic blunders that are only serving to make it more and more obsolete. The bashing isn't due to a dislike of the AP. It is more in the nature of seeing a car wreck about to happen, trying to yell out at the last minute and hoping disaster can be averted. But, of course, there is some question as to whether or not the Associated Press is even relevant any more at all. Still, it's good to come up with some proactive solutions for what the AP could be doing that are a lot more reasonable than what it appears to be doing. Mathew Ingram points us to an interesting analysis by Steve Buttry, pointing out that what the AP should be focused on is providing business solutions to newspapers, rather than content solutions. Content is no longer the problem. Business models are the problem. Could the AP deliver solutions that help newspapers generate revenue? At this point, frankly, I'm not sure, but it seems like much more reasonable approach than pretending the internet doesn't work the way it does.

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Filed Under: business services, journalism, newspapers
Companies: associated press

8 Comments

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Anonymous Coward, 4 Aug 2009 @ 10:22pm

The Blind Leading the Blind
Mathew Ingram points us to an interesting analysis by Steve Buttry, pointing out that what the AP should be focused on is providing business solutions to newspapers, rather than content solutions.

Considering the way the AP has consistently demonstrated it's own lack of understnading in this area, wouldn't be kind of like the blind leading the blind?
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Anonymous Coward, 4 Aug 2009 @ 10:24pm

Re: The Blind Leading the Blind
Oops, that should have been "...wouldn't that be..."
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Dan, 4 Aug 2009 @ 10:33pm

Well once they figure out their own business model they can claim expert experience and move on to the consulting business. Maybe we will see some results next month.
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Ben Matthews, 5 Aug 2009 @ 5:00am

That would nothing to do with the AP's current core competency. Sadly, one (or maybe more) of porter's five forces is overwhelming the AP so the AP's core comepentency isn't making them competitive.

That does mean they need to re-evaluate, but I don't think offering business solutions would be where they could shift elegantly.
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Anonymous Coward, 5 Aug 2009 @ 5:27am

Hey, what if Google focused on email only instead of search? Put all those engineers to work to make the ultimate email program, and nothing else. Don't worry about promoting search, it isn't important.

Perhaps police department could also run the city parks and collect garbage too.

No, I think it is better that companies stay with their core businesses.
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Anonymous Coward, 5 Aug 2009 @ 8:13am

Re:
Yeah, I completely agree. Stick to your core business, even after you've made public statements that your core business is on the decline.

Captain always goes down with the ship, right?
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bshock, 5 Aug 2009 @ 9:14am

Lately I've been wondering if the only thing keeping AP alive is that fact that people keep talking about it.

Isn't it about time for the wake to end? That body is getting a bit ripe.
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wvhillbilly (profile), 11 Aug 2009 @ 7:47pm

Following in the footsteps of UPI?
I fear the AP is following on the same path UPI was on when it crashed and burned some years ago-getting rid of all its ground level help, bloated management, and now an RIAA mentality, Quoting five words is piracy if you don't pay u$.

I see AP as a $2 million Buhgatti complete with 1000 horsepower engine, finest leather upholstery, power everything and every possible amenity a car can offer, sitting on blocks because the owner can't afford wheels for it.

Wake up, AP, you're about to get left in a cloud of dust!
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