Notes from The New York Times Company 2008 report

Even when it is late, I felt curious to read NYTCO 2008 annual report, and I am going to read similar reports for other companies, because, at least the introduction and the softer financial data gives some insight.

The main light they underline is growing audience when considering aggregated data of on/offline. Their unresolved questions are the same, probably, we all have:

- How do we continue to provide the printed products that hundreds of thousands of our readers treasure while appealing to a new generation of consumers?

This question is very right, many people, pure-player minded (like myself a couple of years ago) cannot understand the outcomes of decision making in “traditional” media by just ignoring this simple question.

- How do we get paid for the journalism we provide online?

-How do we reduce our costs while protecting the quality of our journalism?

Then, without answering, it suggests this scheme (can anyone say this is wrong?):

Other identified point is the desire of advertisers of being attached to innovative products:

Our growth depends to a significant degree upon the development of our digital businesses.

- Significantly increasing our online traffic

- Attracting advertisers

- Exploiting new and existing technologies to distinguish our products

- Investing funds and resources in online opportunities

- Strategic relationships to attract more consumers

- Attracting and retaining talent for critical positions

If we are not successful in maintaining or growing revenues from our digital businesses to offset continued or accelerating declines in revenues from our print products, our business, financial condition and prospects will be adversely affected.