In the world of newspapers, Chief Executive of the Guardian Media Group Carolyn McCall is one media boss who gets it.
At the opening of the World Digital Publishing Conference and Expo in London, she outlined the challenges facing newspapers. The three main ones are using audio and video, as well as text, the irrelevance of geographical boundaries and engaging more with audiences.
She put forward a five-point plan of action. There were a couple of the points that struck me.
Firstly that newspapers have to embrace innovation and learn to take risks. This means they cannot be afraid of failing. In some ways, this is what the internet is all about – trying something, learning from the experience and improving it.
The other point is obvious – newspapers must drive digital revenue growth. At a time when the traditional sources of revenue for the print product are on the decline, newspapers have to look at ways of growing audiences and revenue online.
And this means taking chances.
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