The end of News Limited being led by a journo – now it’s the man who gets paid content
The character of News Limited is about to change.
The opening words used by John Hartigan when he gave the Andrew Olle Media Lecture in 2007 give the clue why:
“My name is John Kenneth Hartigan. Occupation: journalist. A journalist is what I am, who I am, and what I will always be. When you wanted to be a journalist as fervently as I did, took as long to become one as I did, and love it as much as I do – you are never anything else.”
It used to be that a key point of difference between Australia’s two behemoths was that News Limited was run by a journo and Fairfax by a suit. In almost exactly a year that has reversed.
Very good article Tim. Makes complete sense for News and I think they have secured the right person for the future
great article
The challenges that faced Foxtel and News are very different.
Williams may get paid content – but let’s not forget he ran THE ONLY pay TV operator that can service the majority of Australians. You can’t shop around and get Foxsports – it’s available only via that one channel.
Whereas with News Limited’s products – they face huge amounts of competition with others who offer the same kind of service. With Foxtel the choice is simple – pay and get it or don’t pay and don’t get any of it. With The Oz … you can pay and get it, or not pay and go elsewhere and get a product that is for all intents and purposes the same.
You could argue Hartgan was amazing at creating paid content – many people buy NL mastheads every single week, not to mention their magazines etc. I don’t think Williams adds a huge benefit here other than Hartigan sold words and Williams sold pictures and pipes.
The big issue here is what is Bec going to do now? Or maybe Kim will like trolling soccer fans.
Surely Foxtel’s growth is because it has no competitors.
Pretty good article.
V thoughtful article Tim.
I remember listening to that Andrew Ollie lecture and being captivated by it. It made all the pissing and whining about News (much of which is justified) seem petty.
Kim Williams is well placed to take the reins and do something extraordinary with them.
Awesome article Tim.