Rupert's recipe

From the Associated Press, Nov. 17, 2008:

"Global media magnate Rupert Murdoch says doomsayers who are predicting the Internet will kill off newspapers are 'misguided cynics' who fail to grasp that the online world is potentially a hurge new market of information-hungry consumers."

" 'Unlike the doom and gloomers, I believe that newspapers will reach new heights' in the 21st century, Murdoch said."

This was in a speech the Australian-born media mogul gave for the Australian Broadcast Network, and it sounds like good news. After all, Murdoch has found ways to make money in journalism while many others are losing it. I'm not about to second guess him.

But it isn't immediately clear from the AP story what he means when he talks about newspapers in the 21st century. Murdock is quoted as saying newspapers have the advantage over Internet bloggers and other newcomers because they are more trusted by their readers. But, in another spot, the AP reports, "He said newspapers would have to evolve from the physical item to 'new brands' that are delivered in a variety of ways and are flexible for readers."

Hmm. That doesn't sound so much like the old ink-on-paper formula to me.

There's more:

"I like the look and feel of newsprint as much as anyone," he said. "But our real business isn't printing on dead trees. It's giving our readers great journalism and great judgment."

In other words, good journalism will continue, but it won't be IOP.

Glad to see Mr. Murdoch agrees with me.