Horses, newspapers and the future of print

Amazon guru Jeff Bezos is the latest billionaire to buy a newspaper. Bezos's purchase of the Washington Post was a major surprise and, while he spoke with confidence, he was quick to admit he was unsure of the famous newspaper's future: http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-09-03/lifestyle/41698103_1_washington-post-co-katharine-graham-jeffrey-bezos

This morning, Bezos again rattled the cages of traditional media with this comparison between newspapers and horses: www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/224350/bezos-printed-newspapers-may-be-a-luxury-item/

The analysis through social media was instant and interesting, including this piece from the Atlantic Wire: www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2013/09/jeff-bezos-thinks-newspapers-are-like-horses/69860/.

Whatever comes of the Washington Post, it will be fascinating to hear more from Bezos as he comes to grips with how his $250 million purchase remains a viable force. Bezos's style to think of the reader first may seem like common sense but, in some corners of the publishing world, it's a foreign concept.

An old hand engages with a new audience

The Vatican - yes, the Vatican - has found a way to engage with a new audience. One interview from fledgling Pope Francis - described as a "thunderbolt" by the LA Times - has cast a new light on how leaders can send a message.

Granting an interview is hardly a new tactic but Pope Francis' words have scattered like lightning through new media channels. http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-reaction-pope-francis-interview-20130919,0,5977572.story

It's paid off for the new Pope, who had already jolted his very conservative minders by habitually ringing people for one-on-one chats. He even called personally to cancel his newspaper subscription. http://www.kansascity.com/2013/09/13/4479054/pope-francis-the-cold-call-pope.html

He may have dropped that attachment to the traditional media but he is doing nicely spreading his message to audiences in new ways. But the approach isn't for everyone - you need a certain personality. It's probably not the advised method for Cardinal George Pell.

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