Editor & Publisher

Bret Jacomet, 61

During the years, I have worked with some of the best people in the industry. I have been part of great teams that have produced stellar work. I have survived challenging issues, setbacks, delays and cancellations. Lessons are many, but here are a few of my favorites:

• Understanding what the market wants vs. what we think they want, along with the importance of collecting and following the data.

• Down-up ideas are just as

important as top-down ones. • Finding the right people and developing your team is worth the investment. Don’t accept or project mediocrity. VP of Technology, M. Roberts Media, Bullard, TX First journalism job: Digital Sales Manager, The Lima News (OH) What are some of the most important lessons you have learned working in the news industry?

• Sales and editorial departments are part of the same company. Interdepartmental communication is essential and can work together for a higher good.

• Spend time in the market. Talk to your best and your worst clients. Meet business owners who don’t do business with you. Looking someone in the eye and shaking hands is very powerful.

• “The way we’ve always done it” is code for “it’s a problem, and we need a better solution.” What are your predictions for the future of news publishing?

There will be a resurgence of locally owned news organizations as big, disinterested investors sell squeezed properties. Those new owners believe in the value of quality journalism and will employ like-minded operators. There will be a period of rebuilding and reinvention focusing on the needs of an underserved/ignored audience. These organizations will flourish by boldly developing new products and services and delivering them in many ways, including technologies yet to be developed.

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2021-09-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://editorandpublisher.pressreader.com/article/282041920231237

Editor and Publisher