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Journo Professor: Murdoch-Led WSJ May Spin Off Product To Compete With USA Today

Newswise   |  John K. Hartman   |   September 5, 2007 12:46 PM

Read More: Rupert Murdoch, United States , Breaking Media News
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Sept. 15 marks the 25th anniversary of USA Today's founding. Central Michigan University journalism professor John K. Hartman, who authored two books regarding USA Today and has been invited to participate in the paper's anniversary celebration Sept. 10 through 14 at American University in Washington, D.C., is available to speak with the media as the anniversary approaches.

Among Hartman's thoughts on the subject:

Regarding potential competition for USA Today:
"Midway through its third decade, USA Today has reached a crossroads in print and online. While it is the United States' best-read daily newspaper with a daily audience of 5 million, USA Today's readership, advertising revenue and profitability have stagnated; it is suffering from the secular slump in the newspaper industry, and new, tougher competition is on the horizon as Rupert Murdoch takes over The Wall Street Journal. Murdoch, who once reportedly offered $1 billion to buy USA Today, will soon have the presses, staff, distribution system and office functions to challenge USA Today, either by changing the Journal to directly compete for general-interest news readers or by creating a second publication to take on USA Today and the other national newspaper, The New York Times."

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- bascombe I'm a Fan of bascombe permalink
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This is a First Degree Murdoch.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:49 PM on 09/05/2007
- larry278 I'm a Fan of larry278 permalink

So, Mr Murdoch may publish a McPaper to compete with USA TODAY. Mr Murdoch probably will make his paper a dumbed down version of USAT. Mr Murdoch can raid Faux News for media people who will have no trouble creating dumbed down competition for USAT. Mr Murdoch will set a new lower common denominator for papers aimed at readers with a 3rd reading level. Mr Murdoch & his employees have a gift for being low & common.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:49 PM on 09/05/2007
- KatieBaczooski I'm a Fan of KatieBaczooski permalink

Whoops- here's the link of the article I was referring to of Murdoch's connections: http://www.newsvisual.com/newsvisual/2007/09/rupert-murdoch.html

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:02 PM on 09/05/2007
- KatieBaczooski I'm a Fan of KatieBaczooski permalink

USA Today is doomed. Murdoch's business track record and strong connections (see article from newsvisual for some interesting insight) suggest that if he aims to make a move to compete, it wouldn't be too difficult.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:00 PM on 09/05/2007
- CheGuevara1 I'm a Fan of CheGuevara1 permalink

Is the USA Today actually a newspaper?

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 04:54 PM on 09/05/2007
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