There is a large body of research on a recent
movement in the news media referred to as
convergence. This practice of sharing resources
between media organizations takes many
forms and is found in major markets. Research has,
so far, given little attention to
convergence models being put in place in smaller
markets. This qualitative analysis uses
interviews to examine various models for implementing
and operating convergence
between newspaper and broadcast newsrooms at three
organizations in the Midwest.
Interviews and site visits with managers at converged
sites uncovered training challenges
and the problems of overcoming cultural differences
between newsrooms. An analysis
using diffusion theory helps show how smaller markets
prove to be a fertile testing
ground for newsroom convergence because of their
size, versatility, and need to
economize resources. This study recommends increased
small market convergence
efforts and ways large markets can emulate small
market management conditions by
centralizing management of a converged newsroom in
order to create a flexible and
successful convergence model.
movement in the news media referred to as
convergence. This practice of sharing resources
between media organizations takes many
forms and is found in major markets. Research has,
so far, given little attention to
convergence models being put in place in smaller
markets. This qualitative analysis uses
interviews to examine various models for implementing
and operating convergence
between newspaper and broadcast newsrooms at three
organizations in the Midwest.
Interviews and site visits with managers at converged
sites uncovered training challenges
and the problems of overcoming cultural differences
between newsrooms. An analysis
using diffusion theory helps show how smaller markets
prove to be a fertile testing
ground for newsroom convergence because of their
size, versatility, and need to
economize resources. This study recommends increased
small market convergence
efforts and ways large markets can emulate small
market management conditions by
centralizing management of a converged newsroom in
order to create a flexible and
successful convergence model.