Happy August.
Today's post is a peek into the thoughts of BusinessWeek's Stephen Baker (who has been with the magazine for one astounding 21-year tenure!). Baker is one of the New York technology reporters for BusinessWeek; he began to report on tech in Paris (Rue Oswaldo Cruz, 16th ar.) as European correspondent in 1998 smack in middle of the dot calm boom. He came to New York in 2002 as acting senior editor for info tech, and is now a senior writer — also tech. Before the whole technology bug hit him, Baker was bureau chief in Pittsburgh and also in Mexico City, which are two cities with nothing in common, which probably makes for fascinating cocktail conversation. Previously - yes there was a previously - he worked at newspapers in El Paso, Texas; Ludlow, Vermont, and Caracas, Venezuela. Again, like I said, this guy gets around!
Baker was one of the first reporters to blog (see him on Blogspotting.net). Lo, a long time ago in May of 2005, his and Heather Green’s co-written cover story “Blogs Will Change Your Business” made quite an impact on corporate America. So, this is a reason BPB wanted to hear his thoughts on the state of journalism, PR and the thing we call "today's media."
Please enjoy, pass it along, and maybe even learn from someone who actually has - gasp - something to say. And get to the end, where you hear about his first book…. The volume is called The Numerati and it's out on September 15th from Houghton-Mifflin. The blog ("but of course") on all things "Numerati" is theNumerati.net.
The Five:
Q: Where is journalism headed - and where would you like to see it?
Baker: I frankly don't know where journalism is headed. I don't see a clear business model for in-depth reporting and editing. Naturally, a lot of the content will be provided by amateur journalists and bloggers, and many of them will do excellent work. But there will be holes in coverage. And while I think there will be loads of opportunity for enterprising story-telling brand-building multi-channel reporters, I don't know who will edit them, other than the public. If I were a young journalist, I'd get out of the editing track.
Q: We see you on Twitter all the time — and you blog more than most. What's the favorite way to communicate with the big wide world?
Baker: Different tools for different jobs. I like Twittering because it's instant, it doesn't involve logging into a VPN, and it doesn't take a whole lot of reporting. I like blogging when I want to put thoughts together. The magazine is great for longer projects. Right now, though, I'd say I'm having the most fun with the book (“The Numerati”). It's giving me a chance to write the way I always wanted to.
Q: Is there something you wish all PR people would do (besides leave the face of the earth)?
Baker: In my dreams, they'd all have read everything I've written and understand in great detail the demands of each one of my channels. In other words, they'd quietly tee up just the kind of stories I want to write.
Q: We know attachments are evil and everyone's on deadline, but you get a lot of email and other requests for "interest." What's the one piece of advice you feel you need to give?
Baker: Very specific subject lines are terrific. And if you want to convince me that a story is important, don't bolster your case by telling me that it's already been published in the Times, the Journal, Forbes and Fortune. I'll probably be very impressed, but not pursue it.
Finally: Is there a story in your mind you have not written yet, but wish you could get a source for (think: something fantastic)?
Baker: Hugo Chavez would be good. (I used to cover oil in Venezuela.)
Bonus Question for Extra Credit
Q: What are you the most proud of, career wise?
Baker: Taking a subject I knew nothing about — data mining and mathematical modeling — and turning it into a book. [Coming out soon, The Numerati.]
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Very informative piece on an important media source.
ReplyDeleteHowever, you might want to rethink including such demeaning questions as:
Q: Is there something you wish all PR people would do (besides leave the face of the earth)?
Let's review.
Good writing is about knowing your audience. And who exactly is your audience with this blog?
Thanks for making EVERY Public Relations professional look like a bottom-feeder.
Why is every post anonymous these days? And how come all the anons have no sense of humor... I was just playing on the idea that a reporter doesn't like a PR person. It was not serious. Good writing is ALSO about using your name, jacko. And the writer of the above (below?) post needs to also examine his or her own sense of self-worth. Audience shmaudience!
ReplyDelete