Messenger Post Newspapers Leave Comfort Zones in the Dust

News media's changing, so can local papers stay stuck in comfort zones? The answer's a resounding NO! And, newspaper veteran, Carl Helbig, models ways to move forward with positive change...

Carl Helbig, Publisher of Messenger Post Newspapers, leaves comfort zones in the dust as he develops exciting locally oriented newspapers, with a team of young reporters.

In a Rotary talk I attended this morning Carl said, "With national news updated frequently on the Internet, it's just not worthwhile to include it anymore since it's impossible for printing presses to keep up." And, with younger readers oriented to consume news differently, a paper likely faces bankruptcy to stay in that comfort zone.

One of Carl's forte's is to tap the deep recesses of his brain as he asks two-footed questions such as, "What do younger readers want, and how can this paper make adjustments?" And, "If younger reporters depart from traditional narrative style, the 5 W's - Who, What, When, Where, Why, How - how can I be sure they'll bring integrity to the news?" When Carl begins here, open to learn and move forward in visionary ways, he'll not be stuck in comfort zones as many other papers are.

So, what's different about the Messenger Post Newspapers and why are they prospering in the midst of a dying institution? Here's how Carl's moving Messenger Post forward as a leader in this field:

1. Local News Focus People want to know what's going on it town, in their neighborhood and how critical local issues affect them. A local paper has the ability to deliver these goods!

2. More International News Some events in today's global community are neglected by nationally focused newspapers.

3. 30 Minute Video Clips When gathering information for a story, reporters shoot 30 minute video clips that are also broadcast on Channel 10 news and also on the Messenger Post Web Site. Most reporters tap into video clips as a way to share news.

4. Web Site Small chunks of news, video clips and photo stories available for free on the Messenger Post Web Site

5. Balance Younger writers tend to include both opinion and facts in stories. Including young reporters brings balance to the whole staff.

6. Young Reporters Fresh focus on events that hook and draw in youthful readers.

7. Reverse Publishing Ability to update stories with photos, facts, or videos on the web site.

How does news look in a typical issue in a paper with this focus? Here's today's features to give you an idea... Pittsford soldier still recovering in Maryland is today's lead story, written by Bryan Roth. On the other side's Blogging: The fifth estate? Brian shows how Web sites take Congressman Randy Kuhl's pistol-packing comment regarding protesters and run with it. And, Hillary Smith's feature on locally grown celebrity Lou Gramm, A 'Foreigner' no more, Gramm loves the hometown crowd. These stories pulled me right in because they deal with folks who touch my life. That's the difference.

A two-footed question's different than ordinary questions since the answer leads to tangible evidence.

Fellow blogger, Bob Hruzek of Middle Zone Musings, challenged me to show why we need to move out of comfort zones. My answer's to begin with two-footed questions that challenge your brain and move you forward in exciting new ways. Carl Helbig leads the way with inspiration... What about you?

*** Photo from Messenger Post Newspapers.