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News Plus Views: Newsy's New Model for Journalism

By: Christi Dixon | 09/16/2009

Jim Spencer, founder of Newsy.com, presented this afternoon at PRSA-St. Louis' monthly luncheon program. He's formed a mutually beneficially relationship with the University of Missouri's School of Journalism that essentially has created a newslab for the next generation of journalists. The concept incorporates several news articles and broadcasts and presents them as one "recap" story. Newsy also allows the user to click through to each of the source stories to delve deeper from a desktop, or simply view a 60-second piece on a mobile device.

Jim's premise for Newsy is built upon several trends:

• Recent research says that consumers don't trust the news media. (As mentioned in this recent Pew report.)
• Consumers want their news on the go.
• We're performing on a global stage, and news should include global perspectives.
• People want ways to cut through the clutter of online news.
• The power and popularity of online video is irrefutable.
• The growth of other multisource media, such as The Week and The Economist.
• Bias is never gone, no matter how a journalist tries.

He also asserted that reporter bias is not avoidable, especially from sources who feel passionate about various issues. Today, it's up to the consumer to make an informed decision on the issues ... using several sources as a guide.

PRSA members asked Jim about the validity of such a news model, asking specifically about multisourcing as a substitute for "real journalism." We've invited Jim to bring his expertise and experience to Standing, where I'm sure he'll spark a spirited debate. We'd love to pass along questions and comments from our friends, colleagues and fans. Is Newsy something that offers value as a news consumer? As a communications professional?

Posted in Digital Communications