Attention GateHouse: ‘Newspapers can’t cut their way to prosperity’

From a speech at the bi-annual Newspaper Quality Improvement Technical Meeting, via Newspapers and Technology:

“Newspapers are under great stress,” said Norm Harbin, vice president of business and technical development at Flint Group as he addressed the group. “What are things we can do to transform newspapers and get back to prosperity,” Harbin said. “You can’t cut your way there.”

Niko Ruokosuo, managing director of Finnish publisher Sanoma, cited the blossoming of civic journalism and the rise of free newspapers in Europe as prime ingredients fueling newspaper growth overseas.

“Getting to young readers is a must,” he said.

So for the love of God, GateHouse Media, please put the plastic forks and knives back in the Journal Star cafeteria. Oh, and stop cutting staff. That too.

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