I'd like the panel to discuss the conflict of interest re: the New York Times Jerusalem Bureau Chief Ethan Bronner. Bronner's son serves in the Israeli Defense Forces and readers alerted the New...
Marty Baron: Boston.com considering charging for some online content
posted by Ralph Ranalli on July 22, 2009
Appearing as a guest on tonight's "Greater Boston," Boston Globe Editor Marty Baron says he's been involved in discussions about possible new revenue streams for the paper, and that charging for some online content is being considered.
Baron said that Boston.com could potentially charge for "premium" content or some sort of specialized information, but that no decisions have been made yet.
While pronouncing himself pleased that last week's "yes" vote on a new Newspaper Guild contract is allowing the Globe to put some financial turmoil behind it, Baron said he had no knowledge of any impending layoffs. Many industry analysts predict a significant layoff is the next shoe to drop at the Globe, because the paper is still in the red even with the $20 million in Globe union concessions the Times has gained this year and because the new contract agreements do away with lifetime job guarantees that were held by hundreds of employees.
Although efforts by the New York Times Company to sell the Globe have been widely reported - including by his own paper - Baron refused to comment, saying it would be "inappropriate" for him to speculate on the matter.
We'll post the video of the segment in this space as soon as our technology allows. Stay tuned.
Comments
As much as it sticks in my craw to be sympathetic to someone in the Globe's management, Marty Barron seemed here and in the WBUR interview earlier this week to be a man sincerely saddened by the ongoing saga, powerless and impotent. Of course he can't comment on the future: he's probably told little and his butt is surely on the line too. I really wish I'd hear someone talk about how the NYT paid too much for the deal and is stuck with the consequences of struggling to pay for it.
yes ralph, please get a workable link to the tape of the interview. I can't get it to play.