Question #2
Now let's consider audience ... Last Monday (Sept. 19) the Associated Press launched a multimedia news reporting service that targets readers in the 18-34 age demographic. Read the news release that describes this new endeavor and then take a look at one of the samples of the service. According to the news release, the content is "designed to appeal to the next generation of news consumers that advertisers covet." Many of us are within that targeted demographic. Do you think the approach is effective? Why or why not? Do you think the approach is necessary to reach younger readers? Explain. What is your overall reaction to the project?
posted by Kate at 4:06 PM
3 Comments:
I would be so much cooler if I didn't love the idea of news like this (sigh). But, I do. First, I love it for the under 18 crowd (even though I know that's not asap's demographic group). I think asap's a little too watered-down for the 18-34 crowd. But this kind of service might be just the thing for a younger audience. Any exposure to information about this wide world is important for the 14-18 age bracket. This group would probably gravitate more to the sports/entertainment/feature stories asap offers and would, hopefully, keep reading about other, more serious issues.
Additionally, I love ANY source of news that offers some variety. On any given day, mainstream media outlets always, always, always, always run the same few big stories. They're usually about America or about a country the American government has decided to care about. But, asap could help fill this information void. For example, one of the articles ('What Does Peace Taste Like?) is about a company that tries to incorporate otherwise feuding, international social or political groups through producing and distributing all-natural food products. You aren't gonna find that on CNN.com.
In my opinion, any news source that can find a way to interest, inform, and address a younger audience is doing us all a favor.
If asap would allow users to pick and choose the content of their individual newsfeeds, I think the service could skyrocket.
9:55 PM, September 29, 2005
I think it is interesting how desperate news services are to get people my age to commit to their newest campaigns. I have heard that we are the market to tap into. Maybe we are still too naive with money or are easily swayed by advertisements, I am not exactly sure but it is funny how we are chased around. I know that the news industry is a very important and serious business but these attempts to go for hip and cool rather than stick to its standards could actually make the services lose other subscribers. Eventually young people grow up and maybe then they will appreciate the news more, I am not sure if the services can wait that long but what is worse selling out or dying out with a bit of dignity?
11:01 AM, October 03, 2005
I think asap is a great way of approaching 18-34 year-olds. This age group has grown up in a technologically advanced society and asap caters to this generation's technological needs and expectations. I don't think vivid pictures, colorful displays and magazine style writing dumbs down the news. It is just different than what has been traditionally accepted. And change is not always bad.
11:10 AM, October 03, 2005
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