Regional Newspapers Should Use Internet For Revenue, Says NS

The Newspaper Society’s Senior Management Forum was told this week that regional newspapers should use their brand and core strengths to develop news and win new revenue. They should also move from being newspaper publishers to local community information providers.

Speakers at the forum unanimously agreed that the way to achieve this is by moving into the world of new media – the internet.

Neil Mellor, BT’s head of internet and multimedia, said that in about three years, the internet will connect most informed consumers and businesses around the world: “organisations will have to change the way they work to survive,” he says.

Mellor also spoke about the importance of local content which, he says, is attracting broadcasters, magazines and directories.

Charles Brims, chief executive of Portsmouth & Sunderland Newspapers, said: “We must hold onto our existing audiences but we must also take the opportunity to reach new audiences. This means expanding the brand – through the traditional print of newspapers and also the developing screen of electronic publishing.”

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