Ken Doctor
Nieman Lab
Aptos, CA, United States
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Past articles by Ken:
“Newspubs”: Let’s try a new word for a new era
"It’s simple, fast, and gloriously free of baggage. It’s not what we’re not, it’s simply what we are. And anyone is free to use it." → Read More
Ken Doctor: Six months after launching a local news company (in an Alden market), here’s what I’ve learned » Nieman Journalism Lab
We don’t wake up each morning to compete with a print daily, but rather to run our own local news and community model. That’s the key. → Read More
Newsonomics: There’s no Knight in shining armor coming to rescue McClatchy » Nieman Journalism Lab
But Alden Global Capital would be happy to lend a hand. Plus: When a standstill isn't really a standstill. → Read More
Newsonomics: The next 48 hours could determine the fate of two of America’s largest newspaper chains » Nieman Journalism Lab
Tribune and McClatchy are both approaching critical deadlines that could lead to mergers, divisions — or even the first big nonprofit newspaper chain in the United States. → Read More
Newsonomics: The New York Times is opting out of Apple News » Nieman Journalism Lab
A giant potential audience isn't good enough on its own anymore: "It's time to re-examine all of our relationships with the big platforms." → Read More
Newsonomics: Bloomberg’s Justin Smith is investing in news when everyone else is cutting » Nieman Journalism Lab
"You want to move your business and your model to the place on the media chessboard where the dollars are going to be going" — the TV money that will follow audiences to streaming. → Read More
Newsonomics: What was once unthinkable is quickly becoming reality in the destruction of local news » Nieman Journalism Lab
The coronavirus pandemic is proving the value of local news to millions of readers, driving up subscriptions. But the advertising collapse is knee-buckling. "If it's a couple of months, we'll make it through. If it's six months, all bets are off." → Read More
Newsonomics: In Memphis’ unexpected news war, The Daily Memphian’s model demands attention » Nieman Journalism Lab
It's generated controversy over its fundraising, its paywall, and its staffing. But it's also about as close as a major American city has gotten to a digital news site that can go toe-to-toe with the local daily newspaper. → Read More
Newsonomics: Six takeaways from McClatchy’s bankruptcy » Nieman Journalism Lab
Will Chatham Asset Management, the hedge fund set to gain control of the company, want to operate it after bankruptcy? Or will it look to cash out via merger as quickly as possible? → Read More
Newsonomics: The McClatchy auction ends not with a bang, but only more whimpers » Nieman Journalism Lab
The hedge fund Chatham Asset Management reeled in its prize, as expected. But now what does it want to do with it? → Read More
Turns out Warren Buffett won’t be the billionaire who saves newspapers either » Nieman Journalism Lab
By selling Berkshire Hathaway's newspapers to Lee Enterprises, the world's most successful investor is acknowledging the industry's downhill slide is not near an end. → Read More
Newsonomics: Here are 20 epiphanies for the news business of the 2020s » Nieman Journalism Lab
After ten years of writing for Nieman Lab, Ken takes a big look back and ahead, defining the state of affairs for the troubled world of journalism. → Read More
Newsonomics: Worried about Alden taking control of Tribune? It’s already pulling strings inside » Nieman Journalism Lab
The news industry's own Doctor Octopus has stuck its tentacles deep into another newspaper chain — and it's unlikely to be dislodged anytime soon. → Read More
Newsonomics: This is how the 5 biggest newspaper chains could become 2 — and it all comes down to one day, June 30, 2020 » Nieman Journalism Lab
Worse, the two left standing could be run by hedge fund guys with little interest in more than the bottom line. → Read More
Newsonomics: By selling to America’s worst newspaper owners, Michael Ferro ushers the vultures into Tribune » Nieman Journalism Lab
Astonishingly, history might argue that Sam Zell was only the third-worst owner in recent Tribune history. → Read More
Newsonomics: As McClatchy teeters, a new set of money men enters the news industry spotlight » Nieman Journalism Lab
The nation's second-largest newspaper company had paid off most of its old debt and still generates positive cashflow. But it might head to bankruptcy anyway so investors can get paid. → Read More
Newsonomics: With its merger approved, the new Gannett readies the cost-cutting knife » Nieman Journalism Lab
What was once expected to be $200 million in annual cost savings has now grown to $400 million or more. But how much blood is left to be drawn from this stone? → Read More
Newsonomics: CEO Mark Thompson on offering more and more New York Times (and charging more for it) » Nieman Journalism Lab
The "failing" New York Times' news operation now employs more than 1,700 journalists, up nearly 50 percent from a decade ago. It has nearly 5 million subscribers, triple its print-era peak. Now it's preparing to up the price. → Read More
Newsonomics: How the Financial Times is building mini-brands within the global FT » Nieman Journalism Lab
"The point is they have personality. They have character. They’re engaging, and they have really inside stuff. So, they’re more than newsletters. They are mini-brands that have events and forums around them — but the newsletter is almost the spearhead." → Read More
Newsonomics: Four years in to their surprise marriage, what has the FT done for Nikkei, and vice versa? » Nieman Journalism Lab
The predicted culture clashes seem to have been mostly avoided, and they're ready to expand their reach in Europe, Asia, and everywhere else. → Read More