Every morning I flip through two newspapers, one being extremely local and the other being slightly more national, but still somewhat local. The latter usually have some things I like to read, including a decent cultural/entertainment part, while the former really only is good for its comics and an occasional column.

Both these newspaper suffer from a severe case of Old Media Syndrome.

• They are only printing syndicated technology stories.
• When they do product specials, they buy (lacking) summaries from online services.
• The economics department have no understanding whatsoever about new media, hence only syndicated blurbs as coverage.
• They both suck online.

The local newspaper really isn’t worth its money. You would think it would have some local stories that I’d be interested in, but alas, it just isn’t pushing any boundaries. Add to that all the syndicated material that I’ve already seen online, then heard on the telly, read in the other newspaper, then getting it here again, no, there’s just no point in paying for it.

I don’t mind getting my news online. Actually I prefer it since it’s more accessible. However, I do enjoy flipping through a newspaper with my (first cup of) coffee each morning. It’s a nice way to start the day for a night person like myself. These two newspapers need to find their own way of handling me as a customer, otherwise they’ll lose my subscription. This is the problem with old media, and it’s actually affecting new media in a negative way as well, since people tend to have the old and establish in a higher regard than the new.

So what should they do? I’ll tell you. Later.