Hot Topic - Private Equity, Venture Capital and Hedge Funds
The perilous decline in recent years of operating profits for news publishers has been widely chronicled, often with overarching sadness. Fallen newspapers are mourned with obituaries like those they once published. The sorrow has deepened immeasurably as the news model rapidly replacing the local publisher is both online and highly suspect, possibly related. Supporters of journalism and, even, news publishing are likened to museum curators. But hope springs eternal.
As the current societal anomie careens on a pathway of uncertainty and anxiety there are a few untouched norms. First, everybody wants data, preferably more data. This includes crazy data, but that’s a subject for psychotherapists. Then, totally related, hedges funds continue doing what it does best, dissembling. These are both good reasons to stay away from crowds.
Most business sectors are fairly insular, internal structures strong and skill-sets narrow. In this respect, media and advertising businesses operate like aerospace, agriculture, mining and pharmaceuticals. Financial services touch them all. And, now, so do digital technologies. These are new inputs, sometimes welcome and sometimes not.
History shows how newcomers are righteously shunned by the old guard. This dates back to the Roman Empire and history shows the peril. Every tradition holds on - or holds out - until its creaking and groaning voice is overwhelmed by a new sound. The newcomers, then, relish in being the loudest noise in the valley.
Digital transition has spawned great creativity. Ideas - all kinds - spring up anywhere. Markets ready to exploit them are obvious magnets.
The business side of social media is exciting for some, frustrating for others. It’s a card game, really. Players enjoy the thrills, even the spills. But it’s the house – bankers and VCs – who always wins.
A great revival in media mergers and acquisitions seems ever so much closer. Financial markets are still fat with cash as are the big global media groups. Yet huge deals, big enough to rearrange the dinner table, remain just a shout away.
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Media in Spain - Diverse and Challenged – new
Media in Spain is steeped in tradition. yet challenged by diversity. Publishers hold great influence, broadcasters competing. New media has been slow to rise and business models for all are under stress. Rich in language and culture, Spain's media is reaching into the future and finding more than expected. 123 pages, PDF. January 2018
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The Campaign Is On - Elections and Media
Elections campaigns are big media events. Candidates and issues are presented, analyzed and criticized in broadcast and print. Media is now more of a participant in elections than ever. This ftm Knowledge file reports on news coverage, advertising, endorsements and their effect on democracy at work. 84 pages. PDF (September 2017)
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Fake News, Hate Speech and Propaganda
The institutional threat of fake news, hate speech and propaganda is testing the mettle of those who toil in news media. Those three related evils are not new, by any means, but taken together have put the truth and those reporting it on the back foot. Words matter. This ftm Knowledge file explores that light. 48 pages, PDF (March 2017)
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