"U.K.’s 'Independent' Newspaper Introduces Paywall" - Adweek

Overseas readers are far more important than many newspapers have come to appreciate in the digital age.

"HuffPo Partners With Le Monde, LNEI On French Edition" - paidContent

How are newspapers doing in the strategic alliances department?

"Bonjour, Amazon. Kindle Store Debuts In France With Its First French Kindle" - paidContent

Is this a plus for newspapers?

"OSCE media freedom representative calls for release of Tajik journalist facing 16 years imprisonment" - Representative on Freedom of the Media

I hope this will get some reinforcement in Vienna.

"Wall Street Protesters Have Ink-Stained Fingers" - NYTimes.com

Reading this one is reminded how complex the newspaper strategic options matrix is - in this digitally focused world that still thinks print is important!

"Why Hasn't India Produced an Innovator Like the Apple Founder?" - NYTimes.com

Alternatively to China, will the next Steve JOBS be Indian?

"Free Texting Apps Are Threat to Wireless Carriers" - NYTimes.com

Isn't it time for a new debate on whether the rush toward "free" is not a trend toward "theft"? Don't we need a new balance between usurious charges imposed by too many selling something, and no charges ripped off by those who think they are entitled not to pay anything at all? Couldn't newspapers play a core role in framing and advancing that discussion, disclosing self-interest all along the way?

"Court Order Seeks Email Data of WikiLeaks Volunteer Jacob Appelbaum" - WSJ.com

I hope we can discuss this in some detail in Vienna. The move raises a complex array of issues that ought now to be of global importance. Let's be sure to ask Google about this. What will Google do?

WAN-IFRA Blogs - 63rd World Newspaper Congress

I guess this will be a separate blog for the Congress.

World Newspaper Week Blog

I am not quite sure how this will work, but there promises to be a lot of postings here during the coming days.

"Cheap tablet computer leads India's drive to tackle rural poverty" - The Guardian

It will be especially interesting to see what our Indian colleagues think of this, and how they intend to make a plus for newspapers and all of their customers.

"Dividing to Conquer a Newspaper Empire in Germany" - NYTimes.com

This surely will spark a lot of discussion in Vienna!

Wi-Fi

There apparently will be free Wi-Fi all around the Congress this week for anyone in need of it!

"Joel Brenner: "America the Vulnerable"" - The Diane Rehm Show

I keep wondering if it should also be "Newspapers the Vulnerable". How well are newspapers doing to protect themselves against cyber actions of all kinds while they make sure that their employees and agents also stay within the law in using digital technology in researching stories? Yet another book on the same general subject is to be released this Wednesday in Washington, DC.

"Le prochain Steve Jobs sera-t-il chinois ?" - LeMonde.fr

A fascinating question posed in Le Monde today - will the next Steve JOBS be Chinese?

"Sims Social Is an Astonishing Success on Facebook" - NYTimes.com

I'd love to see a session next year devoted entirely to what newspapers can learn from these games. For this year, it's surely worth a mention.

"HSN Tests Onscreen QR Codes to Encourage Sales" - NYTimes.com

Newspapers, notoriously, are largely - and either directly or indirectly - space salespeople. That means that advertising space in newspapers, print or digital, gets sold without any interest in what the commercial message is to contain or how effective it is going to be. Take the idea of scanning something in print - or online and other places - and with that scan, making an inquiry and/or a purchase. Have newspapers acted as creatively as they should in anticipating a Steve JOBS'-type demand for this capability among all types of customers? Have newspapers concluded, once again, that this is not where the proverbial hockey puck is headed? Has sufficient thought been given to the whole question where we are going, lest we get there or someplace we don't want to be without deciding?

"Steffy: Steve Jobs' greatest invention: demand" - Houston Chronicle

There has been a vast amount written in the wake of Steve JOBS' death. I hope we can begin to pull some of that thinking together as we approach the Congress next week. Consider this column for example. What does it tell us about newspapers? What is the "demand" that newspapers need to nurture and/or create that they have not yet done?

"Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56" - NYTimes.com

We cannot let the Congress end without acknowledging the profound impact that the late Steve JOBS had on the digital world and all of the ways that has shaped, and is shaping, the newspaper business. May he Rest in Peace.

"Yahoo Aims to Create a Voice for Its Media Sites" - NYTimes.com

Another rapid evolution that could have a significant impact on many newspapers, either directly or indirectly.

"Will the Internet Save Newspapers?" - NYTimes.com

A very thoughtful piece from The New York Times' Bill KELLER. It strikes a great note on which to start the Congress next week.

"In Europe, Cooking Classes for Every Palate" - NYTimes.com

Note the Vienna class at the end - in apple strudel making. One hour. Looks like it might be a nice followup, or even an appetizer, after or before the Congress.

"Mashable, Once a One-Man Blog, Gains Clout in Social Media" - NYTimes.com

Following news is turning out to be a very complicated and critical process.

"Unforgettable Foods, from Austrian Apricots to Parisian Butter" - NYTimes.com

Note the Austrian apricots!

"Deal Sites Have Fading Allure for Merchants" - NYTimes.com

Newspapers have a lot more to learn about these offerings, their impact on customers, and how best to respond.

"Have you been ‘Brandwashed’ as a consumer?" - TODAY.com

This might be worth reviewing for the Branding session at the Congress.

"Austria Travel Guide - Hotels, Restaurants, Sightseeing in Austria" - New York Times Travel

A variety of perspectives and news items relating to Austria from The New York Times. I would be happy to add links to other newspapers that have collected the same sort of informaiton about Austria - just send me the links?

"China paper urges Europe get act together on debt crisis" - Reuters

Sometimes we overlook just how important a role newspapers play in the economic challenges of today.

63rd World Newspaper Congress & 18th World Editors Forum Participants

One Hundred and Two (102) countries to be represented in Vienna!!! See the list of participants here.

"You Love Your iPhone. Literally" - NYTimes.com

How do you suppose this compares with loving your newspaper?

"Pork Cutlets From Two Continents" - A Good Appetite - NYTimes.com

For those planning to eat while in Vienna, and perhaps have a little background thinking from the New York perspective - at least on one dish!

"Austria Approves Euro Bailout Fund" - NYTimes.com

FYI for those not following Austrian news.

"Tweets reveal worldwide moods" - Cornell Chronicle

I hope we will have a chance to talk about this study in the context of newspapers and news publishers. What actions might be worth considering as a result of this? Of course, no one can or should control the news, but are there some ways that newspapers could take advantage of this to serve customers better?

"Student Opinion | Do Apps Help You or Just Waste Your Time?" - NYTimes.com

It will be very interesting to see what students say in response to this post in The New York Times.

"OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls on Moldova to release Russian writer and journalist blogger - Representative on Freedom of the Media" - OSCE

I still don't know if the OSCE will be represented in any way at the Congress in the OSCE's home city of Vienna. Here's hoping that someone attends. These are critically important issues.

"Reporters' Worst Enemy Is Reputation" - NYTimes.com

Roy GREENSLADE, mentioned here, is scheduled to join us in Vienna.

"Why Magazine Publishers Like the Fire" - NYTimes.com

I hope we will be able to fill in the newspaper reaction to Fire in Vienna.

"Focus on Tablet Publishing at IFRA Expo 2011 in Vienna"

"Newspaper Confirms Release of South Korean Journalists in China" - NYTimes.com

Good news!

"Amazon Unveils Kindle Fire" - WSJ.com

How will newspapers exploit this?

"Google's Biggest Threat Is Google" - NYTimes.com

Good background thinking for the Congress.

"World’s Data Centers Expected to Grow, Survey Says" - NYTimes.com

Newspapers ought to be a lot more interested in what this means.

"Why Facebook Works for All, Twitter for Some" - NYTimes.com

Something for newspapers to learn here?

"INSEAD Knowledge: From Management to Leadership"

More Leadership session reading.

"INSEAD Knowledge: Leadership Crisis"

Wonderful reading for the Leadership session.

"INSEAD Knowledge: Rx for the Global Economy"

Good background for the Finance session at the Congress.

"‘Boomerang’ by Michael Lewis" - Review - NYTimes.com

It's a shame that the author is not planning to be with us in Vienna. What a fascinating discussion we could have with him. At least - throgh the miracle of our digital world - some people may read his book before coming to the Congress so that we can talk about it, even in the author's absence.

"Indian regulator sets 100-text limit to curb mobile-marketing nuisance" - guardian.co.uk

Restrictions on "speech" are always troublesome, and no less so in India. Let's talk about it in Vienna.

Dining after midnight

For those making a long evening (night) of it in Vienna.

Blickfang design fair

Another exhibit during, and slightly after, the Congress.

Contemporary art in the Leopold Museum

This exhibit opens during the Congress.

Wien Tour

This virtual Vienna tour may be of interest both as a visitor and as a newspaper executive.

Terra Madre

Note this event will be in the Vienna City Hall during the Congress. One or another Congress participant might want to grab a bite?

"Pew Media Study Shows Reliance on Many Outlets" - NYTimes.com

Good things and not-so-good things in this report for newspapers.

"Pentagon Extends Program To Defend Cyber Networks" - NPR

Do newspapers worry about cyber attacks? What worries them?

"Hearst and HGTV Enter a New Magazine in a Murky Market" - NYTimes.com

How often, other than program listings, television program reviews, and popular features on television personalities, have newspapers chosen to work cooperatively with a television channel or program(s) in order to yield mutual benefit? What are good examples, if any?

"Martha Stewart’s Halloween Magazine Brings Fan a Surprise" - NYTimes.com

Repurposing is a word that is central to the whole digital media world. How do newspapers choose to define it?

"Anticipated Amazon Tablet to Take Aim at Apple iPad" - NYTimes.com

So do newspapers have, as we say in the US, a "dog in this fight" between Apple andAmazon?

"Zuckerberg's Unspoken Law: Sharing and More Sharing" - NYTimes.com

I still hope someone from Facebook will show up at the Congress. It's in the best interest of all if that happens.

"China Detains Journalist for Article on Sex Slaves" - NYTimes.com

I hope protests will arise immediately, and then again at the Congress. Or....an explanation provided as impossible as it is to imagine one.

"Have Consumers Become More Willing to Pay for Content?" - Room for Debate - NYTimes.com

There ought to be many newspaper people involved in this debate, here and in Vienna.

"Facebook’s New Strategy to Turn Eyeballs Into Influence" - NYTimes.com

Lots to be assessed here!

"Facebook Unveils Timeline View and Media Partnerships" - NYTimes.com

I don't see any newspapers on this list of partners.

"'Ebony,' 'Jet' Parent Takes A Bold New Tack" - NPR

This is a very impressive story about a US magazine publishing organization, family owned, that appears to be doing very well after a challenging period. Newspapers elsewhere may find something to learn here.

"BBC, ITN and Sky News give riot footage to police " - guardian.co.uk

This is a worrying development for many, including me. News organizations cannot allow themselves to become the eyes, ears and video cameras for government and still retain either independence, or worse, credibility. Let's talk about this in Vienna?

63rd World Newspaper Congress & 18th World Editors Forum Participants

Now at 95 countries - getting closer to 100! If you know of someone from a country not yet on the list, why don't you contact that person and encourage her or him to attend the Congress? We all benefit when that happens!

"OSCE media freedom representative calls on Ukrainian government to allow independent Kharkiv broadcaster back on air" - OSCE

With the Congress set for Ukraine in September 2012, the Vienna meeting will provide an opportunity to talk with those attending from Ukraine about this and any other issues involving freedom of the media in Ukraine.

Printed newspapers to apps and back again....

This from The New York Times this morning. A great discussion of so many complex issues written from the most important perspective, the customer.

"QR Codes Provide Information When Scanned" - NYTimes.com

What is the new potential for newspapers with this technology?

"Who Is The Ultimate Game Changer In Media?"

And who would you say would win that prize if it existed for newspapers?

"Chinese Journalist Following 'Gutter Oil' Scandal Is Found Dead" - NYTimes.com

I hope we will learn more when we are in Vienna.

"London Police Relent on Demand for Reporters’ Sources in Hacking Scandal" - NYTimes.com

This is a good move, but surely not the end of the saga.

"French Papers Team Up to Break Apple Stranglehold" - NYTimes.com

I can imagine a lot of corridor conversations about this development in Vienna. Note that one of the people who will be in Vienna - Ken DOCTOR - is mentioned on the second page of the story. He notes one example of how media company cooperation in the face of Google did not work out, and we should not forget that there are many more, including one of the first - the failure almost 20 years ago of the New Century Network in the US. That included something similar to the French grouping - most of the big newspaper groups except The New York Times, as best I recall. Note also the last graf of this story. Is it true?

"The Platform: Thomson Reuters vs. Bloomberg" - The Century Foundation

The evolving competition among news agencies is well worth lots of attention. We'll give it some in Vienna.

"After Disclosures by WikiLeaks, Al Jazeera Replaces Its Top News Director" - NYTimes.com

We'll surely be talking about what this means in Vienna. What will be the impact on telling the truth?

"Cartoons Against Bloodshed in Mexico" - PRI's The World

Cartoonists everywhere face all of the challenges of everyone else, and in the process manage to help everyone understand so many problem so much more clearly.

""News of the World" versera jusqu'à 2,2 millions d'euros à une famille victime des écoutes" - Le Monde

Yet another chapter.....

"Russian media mogul in talk show brawl" - Telegraph

I am pretty confident that the discussions we will have in Vienna will be animated and energized but not to this extent!

Golden Pen of Freedom - Dawit ISAAK

Here is the slightly edited text of an e-mail that I just received about Dawit ISAAK, who will receive the Golden Pen of Freedom at the Congress in Vienna:

"23 September 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the incarceration of Dawit Isaak, an Eritrean-born journalist with dual Swedish nationality who was imprisoned in Eritrea for speaking out for justice. In 2001, Dawit's newspaper Setit published a number of calls for reform that resulted in his imprisonment alongside other critical journalists and opposition politicians. To date, his family has received very little news of his health or whereabouts.

On 23 September 2011 we call on you to highlight the plight of Dawit Isaak and countless other prisoners of conscience in Eritrea by republishing some of our exclusive content. Please use and diffuse our materials widely, and be sure to visit www.freedawit.com to see how you can get involved in the campaign to Free Dawit Isaak.

----

Free Dawit Isaak

Peter Englund is the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy for the Nobel Prize for Literature. He used the opportunity of this year's World Press Freedom Day campaign to highlight the plight of WAN-IFRA's 2011 Golden Pen of Freedom laureate, Dawit Isaak, incarcerated for a decade without charge in a notorious Eritrean jail. In his essay, Peter explores how the right to dissent and question strengthens a nation, and why this universal of rights should not be taken for granted.

Eritrea's Silent Shame

Aspiring independent journalists in any war-ravaged, poverty-stricken country face a daunting task. If you add famine, military dictatorship, and the fact that the particular country in question is Eritrea, this task becomes nigh on impossible. In such a context the achievements of Dawit Isaak, co-founder of the country’s first independent newspaper and laureate of the 2011 WAN-IFRA Golden Pen of Freedom, are all the more remarkable.

Dawit Isaak, 2011 WAN-IFRA Golden Pen of Freedom

In October 2010, The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers named Dawit Isaak the 2011 Golden Pen of Freedom, WAN-IFRA's annual award that recognises individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of press freedom.

Download and exclusive 'Free Dawit' cartoon by renowned French artist Michel Cambon."

"AP to Launch Mobile Ad Circulars" - WSJ.com

Newspaper "circulars" remain an important revenue source for papers in the US and in some other countries. Initiaitives like this will surely be worth discusssing in Vienna.

"Facebook Is Expected to Unveil Media-Sharing Service" - NYTimes.com

News?

"In E-Books, Publishing Houses Have a Rival in News Sites" - NYTimes.com

In an all digital world, more of these sorts of things become inevitable.

"Google’s to Face Congressional Antitrust Hearing" - NYTimes.com

It's not at all clear that much change will result from all this, but it bears watching.

"The world still thinks Americans are coolest - poll" - Reuters

I bet we could have some really energized discussions in Vienna about these ratings!

"Setting Boundaries for Internet Privacy" - NYTimes.com

Are newspapers sufficiently involved in this debate?

"Met's threats to Guardian are 'direct attack on free press', say lawyers" - The Observer

Yet another chapter in an apparent endless book.

"Online ID Verification Plan Carries Risks" - NYTimes.com

Surely a matter of huge strategic significance to newspapers.

"WikiLeaks Using eBay Auction to Raise Money" - NYTimes.com

Astounding.

"Peruvian Journalist Killed, 2nd This Month" - NYTimes.com

Exercising press freedom and reporting on corruption remains a high risk - and huge loss - undertaking.

"F.T.C. Wants to Update Rules on Children’s Online Privacy" - NYTimes.com

Are newspapers paying enough attention to the issue of children's privacy?

"Chris Roper to Speak At World Editors Forum" - AllAfrica.com

It's nice to see some attention being paid to the excellent speakers on the program for the Vienna events.

"Sinag bags int'l award for student training program" - » Best of the Philippines »

This sounds like a very impressive story.

Vienna outside the Congress

This is the latest calendar of what is happening in Vienna during the 717 October 2011 period.

Golden Pen of Freedom

Note the link to some background on this award and a list of previous winners.

"Executives May Be Too Confident on Cybersecurity, Survey Finds" - NYTimes.com

I hope we'll get a chance to discuss this thoroughly in Vienna.

"With No Amazon as a Rival, FlipKart Moves Fast in India" - NYTimes.com

Is this an opportunity for newspapers?

"AOL, Yahoo and Microsoft Are Said to Reach an Ad Deal" - NYTimes.com

An idea that has captivated many newspaper companies in the past. Perhaps this will spur more than captivation.

"Algeria ends state monopoly of broadcast media" - guardian.co.uk

This looks like an important advance in press freedom in Algeria. We'll have a couple of opportunities to talk about this in Vienna, including with our Algerian colleagues.

"Cute six month old Baby Playing with Newspaper" - YouTube

It's hard to imagine anyone getting more enjoyment out of a newspaper page than does the star of this one minute video!

"Dell Cautiously Optimistic on Europe and Asia" - NYTimes.com

Newspapers have become increasingly dependent on technology intermediaries between what the newspaper does and the customer who receives and uses that newspaper service. Thus, how those companies in-between are doing, and the sales they are making, is very important.

Global Report on the Status of Women in the News Media

This report was released today and is likely important background reading for the Congress.

"Vitrue Lands Across the Pond with European Expansion" - Vitrue

He'll be joining the Congress.

"Google Bought Me! The First Two Days [Dave Reisner]"

An amusing look at life at a company as it gets acquired by Google (for anyone who was wondering about that).

"Forbes Update: A New Editor Comes Aboard as We Re-Imagine a Journalistic Enterprise" - Forbes

Newspapers have much to learn from other news publishers and from other media of all kinds.

"An-Environmental-Vision-for-the-Newspaper-Industry" - Editor & Publisher

A good source of background for discussion during the sustainability session at the Congress.

"“Print media expanding its presence in South Asia”" - The Hindu

Jacob MATHEW, of course, will be kicking off the World Newspaper Congress in Vienna.

"Multiple media-based newsrooms in a decade: Larry Kramer" - The Hindu

Another lesson in repositioning.

"Metro’s Peter Holmlund joins the 4th International E-reading & Tablet Conference"

Another one of the attractions for World Newspaper Week!

"News Consumption Tilts Toward Niche Sites" - NYTimes.com

If there ever was a poster "child" for repositioning, this column is it.

"Campaign Trains Viewers for ‘TV Everywhere’" - NYTimes.com

Are we doing all that we can to promote the notion - and the fact - of "Newspapers Everywhere"?

"YouTube Founders Aim to Revamp Delicious" - NYTimes.com

It's too bad that YouTube will not be present in Vienna; perhaps this will change in coming weeks. One can hope!

"Raid on Egyptian Al Jazeera Affiliate Is Criticized" - NYTimes.com

I sense that we know very little about the state of press freedom and newspaper enterprises in all of the countries in and around the Arab Spring. Perhaps those attending the Congress will help educate all of us.

"Hacker Rattles Internet Security Circles" - NYTimes.com

Another reminder of this ominously looming issue of security.

"Computer-Generated Articles Are Gaining Traction" - NYTimes.com

Are we reaching a point where better journalism will be produced by machines than by humans? What a scary notion!

"An Ergonomics Challenge in New Electronic Devices" - NYTimes.com

"Kenya Magazine Robbed - Corruption Files Stolen" - NYTimes.com

The winner of the 1991 Golden Pen of Freedom, Gitobu IMAYARA, founded this publication. Many Kenyan newspaper people will be with us in Vienna. For anyone interested in reviewing the names of previous winners, one hopes that this Wikipedia list is accurate.

"Hackers Take Over NBC Twitter Account" - NYTimes.com

One of the great challenges facing newspapers as well.

Plan Your Visit!

If you are planning to come to any of the events during World Newspaper Week, this appears to be a really useful online organizer that you can create according to your own program choices.

"Blame the iPad for Slow PC Sales" - NYTimes.com

David ROMAN from Lenovo will be participating in the Congress and I am sure we will have a lot of other people in Vienna intently interested in what devices people will use in the future to access newspaper services and everything else.

"Apple wins German court ruling on Samsung tablets" Reuters

"More, not less media freedom needed to combat terrorism, says OSCE media freedom representative" - Representative on Freedom of the Media

This from one of the two most important organizations impacting newspapers and the media based in Vienna - the other being, of course, the International Press Institute. The IPI will be participating in the program, and I hope that OSCE will as well.

Q - If I register for the Congress, may I attend Forum sessions?

I hope to have an answer to that question soon....

Dress

Here are the events where some "dress code" seems to be in order:

19.30 - 22.00 Welcome reception in the Vienna Town Hall at the invitation of the Mayor of Vienna, Michael Häupl
The gothic-style town hall, built between 1872 and 1883, is a symbol of beautiful Vienna. Located in the city centre, the Rathaus serves as the seat of both the mayor and city council. The welcome reception provides a unique opportunity to visit this magnificent structure.
Dress code: business attire

19.30 - 22.00 Local evening and dinner
Heuriger is the name given to eastern-Austrian wine taverns where local winegrowers present their wares. Heuriger means “this year’s wine”, and the taverns offer a way for winemakers to offer tastings of their wine, along with good meals and traditional Viennese Schrammel music played on the accordion and violin. A well-known area for these Heurigen restaurants has been reserved exclusively for the Congress and Editors Forum.
Dress code smart casual

19.30 - 22.00 Gala Dinner
with entertainment in the Art Nouveau building of the Wiener Konzerthaus as
the networking highlight at the end of the Congress. Musical entertainment with KK Strings, a string quartet of another kind, bringing the international music charts of the last three centuries, from Strauss to Falco, from Figaro to The Third Man.
Dress code: cocktail attire

--
It's still not clear to me what the recommended dress is for the rest of the time. I will raise it again.

"The Press Release Gets Poetic" - NYTimes.com

The challenges of technology, especially digital, come from all sides and all parts of the business process.

Development - Wednesday, 12 Oct 2011

09.30 - 14.00 The Annual Media Development Round Table

Shaping Media Assistance Policies: Supporting the Media Sector When Markets and Governments Fail

Over the past 60 years, an entire industry has grown up around the enterprise of media assistance – training journalists, modernizing infrastructure, and most recently, offering management support. Yet even the most experienced practitioners are hard-pressed to define what constitutes success or failure in their domain. Shaping Media Development Policies aims to further the conversation on how donors, investors and media executives can re-examine their goals and their toolkits, and take the lead in making financial viability compatible with quality journalism. The session will consider new avenues to support quality content and the public’s right to know in emerging and developing markets.

• Gordana Jankovic, Director, Network Media Program, Open Society Foundations (OSF)
• Helena Bjuremalm, Senior Policy Specialist, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
• Marguerite H. Sullivan, Director, Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA)
• Anne Nelson, Adjunct Associate Professor, Columbia University/ WAN-IFRA Research Consultant
• Harlan Mandel, CEO, Media Development Loan Fund (MDLF)
• Troy Etulain, Senior Advisor for Independent Media Development, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

"Iraqis mourn slain journalist amid protests" - Al Jazeera English

"Twitter Reaches 100 Million Active Users" - NYTimes.com

"World economy: PMI data add to fears of downturn" - Economist Intelligence Unit

There is little hope that the global economic/financial situation will not be top of mind in Vienna.

"Google reveals its global electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions" - San Jose Mercury News

We do not often think about cyber companies, like Google, as having too many sustainability issues, but that surely is not merited.

"In Malaysia, Freedom of the (Virtual) Press" - NYTimes.com

We are still hoping that someone from Malaysia will join us in Vienna to discuss this and other Malaysian issues.

"Weymouth explains Washington Post bureau closures: We want reporters on the streets" - Poynter

We are very sorry that personal circumstances prevented Katharine WEYMOUTH from joining us in Vienna, but I hope others there will be able to discuss this and other issues related to the Washington Post Co. and some of its strategic decisions. I hope that her "rain check" for Vienna will permit her to be with us in Kiev in 2012.

"Google Buys Zagat, Crushes OpenTable" - Deal Journal - WSJ

Connecting people to local businesses and restaurants (and food!) has historically been a job that newspapers would have said was theirs. Can newspapers hope to be core players in the lives of consumers who make these choices, and in the case of food must make these decisions, every day?

"After WikiLeaks: Daniel Domscheit-Berg and editors to discuss the controversial whistleblower at World Editors Forum"

One of the nice advantages of the Vienna meetings is that leaders of all parts of newspaper operations will be mixing and mingling outside the more formal sessions. In this case, for example, this means that all of the knowledgeable people appearing at the Wikileaks session at the World Editors Forum will be equally accessible to all those participating in the Congress.

"Papermaker Owned by Cerberus Files for Bankruptcy" - NYTimes.com

Traditionally, newsprint - its availability and price - have been big subjects at newpspaper executive meetings. Is this piece of the newspaper strategy puzzle becoming more difficult to fit into place? Where does the business stand in relation to all of the companies that provide newsprint and other paper (as in the above case) to newspapers?

"The Lifespan of a Link" - NYTimes.com

This strikes me as an especially good subject to discuss in Vienna. How do newspapers respond to what this study found? Does the study speak to what it is that newspapers see as their highest value propostion to cusotmers?

"Data Points: Tablets Take Off" - Adweek

Between a third and a half of tablet users seem to be doing things that ought to be well within the capabilities of newspapers to provide. In Vienna, we'll talk about how well newspapers are doing in trying to expand their tablet market penetration.

"Three U.K. Seeks to Block British Telecom Collaboration" - NYTimes.com

I wonder if newspaper companies are paying enough attention to some of these sorts of telecommunication industry maneuvers?

"Once a Leader, Yahoo Now Struggles to Find Its Way" - NYTimes.com

Yahoo, like most newspaper companies, is faced with the challenge of responding to a market that evolves so fast that change is more blur than clear decision points.

"Journal Register And MediaNews Group Join Forces Under Digital First Media"

Jim BRADY will be with us in Vienna.

"An Outlet for Afghan Women Online" - NYTimes.com

It's too bad that we do not yet have any colleagues from Afghanistan registered for the Congress. Perhaps someone will sign up in coming days as that would add so much to our discussion to these sorts of issues.

"Time for a sales tune-up" - Reflections of a Newsosaur

Some newspapers around the world run their own advertising sales operations; some farm it out to others. The newspaper's interest in the final result remains the same. Do newspapers look more like energetic service providers or decrepit dinosaurs? The piece linked points our thinking in the right direction, it seems to me.

"Guardian journalist questioned over alleged phone-hacking leaks" - guardian.co.uk

There appears to be no end to new chapters in this continuing tale.

"CMO Survey: Marketers to Significantly Increase Their Investment in Social Media" - Duke's Fuqua School of Business

Trends like this will define a lot of social media strategies, whether those are deployed by newspapers or by the companies on which newspapers depend for advertising and other support.

"Carol Bartz Out at Yahoo; CFO Tim Morse Named Interim CEO" - AllThingsD

"Abramson faces toughest test of any NYT boss" - Reflections of a Newsosaur

A wonderful piece on the repositioning options facing the New York Times Company and the editor of its flagship newspaper.

"Closed in Error on Google Places, Merchants Seek Fixes" - NYTimes.com

Telling the truth is hard, even for Google.

"Turkish hacker group diverts users away from high-profile websites " - The Guardian

Another assault on the computer-dependent lives of huge companies, possibly including newspapers. Computer security, whether relating to telephone calls or passwords, encompasses tremendous risks to all companies and newspapers are among the most vulnerable.

"In Internet Age, Postal Service Struggles to Stay Solvent, and Relevant" - NYTimes.com

The situation of the US Postal Service is a both a concern for many newspapers who still depend on it to deliver their printed products, but it is also a cousin of newspapers in so many ways, and the issues that define its current plight are hardly unknown to newspapers as well. It's a problem repeated generally in many other countries.

"Naming Names on the Internet" - NYTimes.com

There is a very strong argument to be made, and I would make it, that newspapers ought to require real names of people in dealing withe them digitally, with the sole exception of confidential sources in the normal course of news reporting. The pendulum fell off its rocker quite a while ago and newspapers have the opportunity not only to put it back in place, but to do so with care and professionalism, something that has been sacrificed in large measure as we bury ourselves in trivia from unknown sources.

"Malaysian journalist killed in Somalia" - CNN.com

We are fortunate to have several colleagues joining us from Somalia, and there will be much to discuss, including this tragic incident. Registered Somalian participants so far:

Mohamed Mohamud MOHAMED Journalist and Reporter C SOMALI UNION OF JOURNALISM DEVELOPMENT
Omar Ahmed QEYLOW Editor C SOMALI UNION OF JOURNALISM DEVELOPMENT
Abdikadir Ali SAID Reporter and Photographer C SOMALI UNION OF JOURNALISM DEVELOPMENT

"China Increasingly Uses Tactic of Making Dissidents Vanish" - NYTimes.com

The WAN part of WAN-IFRA has a long history of supporting press freedom in China, including freedom for individuals who practice that freedom. We will have a chance to discuss this with Chinese colleagues in Vienna:

Shu Ping CHEN Editor in Chief C CHENGDU ECONOMIC DAILY
Eric Yigeng LI President C MIH PRINT MEDIA

"Mass-Market Paperbacks Sales in Decline" - NYTimes.com

Something to consider as newspapers reposition themselves? (Be sure to note the printed newspaper in the photo!)

89 countries and climbing!

Colleagues from 89 countries are now scheduled to be in Vienna. Help us break 100?

"Liveability Ranking August 2011" - Economist Intelligence Unit

Vienna came out 2nd best in the world, just behind Melbourne, Australia, and ahead of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

"New Arrest in Britain’s Phone Hacking Scandal" - NYTimes.com

This case seems to be a time machine of new developments.

"Alina Cho of CNN - What I Wore" - NYTimes.com

Newspaper people, unlike television presenters, tend to worry about other things, at least from my experience! We'll see in Vienna, won't we?

"Retired police official charged in Politkovskaya murder" - Committee to Protect Journalists

No arrest ever makes up for the crime committed, but I imagine that our Russian colleagues take some solace from this arrest. We'll be able to talk with them about this and other Russian newspaper matters in Vienna. Among those joining us are:

Damian KUDRIAVTSEV CEO S CJSC KOMMERSANT PUBLISHING HOUSE
Tatiana ALEKSANDROVNA IVANOVA Editor-in-Chief C EKONOMICHESKAYA GAZETA, PUBLISHING HOUSE
Alexander GERASIMOV Project Manager C EKONOMICHESKAYA GAZETA, PUBLISHING HOUSE
Igor MOLODTCOV General Director, Editor-in-Chief C LLC "GAZETY PROVINCII"
Galina GAVRILINA General Director C LTD AGENCY KOMSOMOLSKAY PRAVDA - KALGUA
Vasily GATOV Managing Director S RIA NOVOSTI MEDIA LAB

Leadership - Saturday, 15 Oct 2011

14.15 - 15.30 Session 10

Leadership

The job description of newspaper publishers is changing rapidly, as newspapers have gone from ink-on-paper to multimedia publications. Traditional leadership and management styles often can’t keep pace. Finding and managing the right talent is as important as rethinking audiences, products and services. This session will provide advice from leading industry experts on how to develop the leaders of the next generation of media companies.

• Ulrik Haagerup, Head of News, Danish Broadcasting Corporation, Denmark
• Jonathan Hustler, Managing Director, Archant Regional, UK
• Anna Kirah, Senior Architect, Microsoft, Norway
• Tom Cummings, Author and Co-Founder, Executive Learning Partnership, USA
• Plus more speakers to be announced

Challenges - Saturday, 15 Oct 2011

16.00 - 17.30 Session 11

Profit, public interest, ethics – where to draw the line?

Joint session with World Editors Forum
In the pursuit of stories that are in the public interest, where should the line be drawn? Is it justifiable to pose as someone you’re not? Is it justifiable to pay sources? In the course of the phone hacking scandal in the UK, Rupert Murdoch said: “our business was founded on the idea that a free and open press should be a positive force in society.” How can executives on the editorial and publishers side make sure that news organisations live up to those standards? This session explores how today’s news organisations can ensure quality journalism, press freedom and maintain the balance between ethical standards and pleasing our customers in times when the industry is under high pressure to gain audience.

• William Lewis, Executive Member, Management and Standards Committee, News Corporation, UK
• More panelists to be announced

Truth - Friday, 14 Oct 2011

17.00 - 18.15 Session 7

How to tell the truth during a revolution

Joint session with World Editors Forum
The protests that have led to political upheaval in the Arab world, in countries where press freedoms are extremely limited, provide a considerable challenge for all news organisations, both local and foreign. During such events, where the sequence of events is highly complex, the issues extremely sensitive, and the dangers to those on the ground all too evident, how can news organisations best succeed in their mission to tell the truth? How can they use social media to best effect?

• Gamal Eid, Human Rights Lawyer, Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, Egypt
• Philippe Massonnet, Global News Director, Agence France-Presse, France
• Plus more speakers to be announced

Moderated by:

• Magda Abu-Fadil, Director, Journalism Training Programme, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Technology - Friday, 14 Oct 2011

15.15 - 16.30 Session 6

Technology

With a bit of cleverness, newspaper publishers can take full advantage of new technologies and products to grow and sustain their businesses and reach a larger audience. But many publishers are in the dark about technology and leave this important management issue to others. This session will provide some help by examining technological and consumer trends and the latest developments in the laboratories of media and consumer technology companies and universities.

• Adam Bird, Director, McKinsey & Company, Inc, Germany
• Douglas J. Edwards, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company, USA
• Hannes Ametsreiter, Group CEO, Telekom Austria, Austria
• Plus more speakers to be announced

Moderated by:

• Vasily Gatov, Head of RIA Novosti Media Lab, Russia

Sustainability - Friday, 14 Oct 2011

14.00 - 15.15 Session 5

Sustainability

Are your customers asking you what you’re doing to improve the environment? If they’re not yet, they will. Environmental sustainability is a rising concern for newspaper publishers. Paper, ink, printing machines, distribution, recycling – there are many ways to “go green” that are good for publishers, readers and for the environment. In this session, publishers, suppliers and research institutions examine the benefits and methods of systematic sustainability management.

• Claus Bolza-Schünemann, Deputy President, Koenig & Bauer, Germany
• Georg Carlberg, Vice President Environment, Norske Skogindustrier ASA, Norway
• Phillip Crawley, Publisher and CEO, Globe and Mail, Canada
• Mattias Höjer, Director, Centre for Sustainable Communications, KTH, Sweden
• Peter Kuisle, Executive Vice President Sales, manroland AG, Germany
• Åsa Moberg, Researcher, Center for Sustainable Communications, KTH, Sweden
• Plus more speakers to be announced

News agencies - Friday, 14 Oct 2011

12.45 - 13.45 Round Table lunch

News Agencies

Like newspaper companies, news agencies are also in transition; the traditional agency concept of generating and distributing news content to newspaper publishers and other media is evolving. How can news agencies become a strategic partner for the publishing company beyond their traditional role?
Some of the most innovative agencies will discuss ways to support the publishing industry in their efforts to grow their print and digital businesses.

• Christoph Pleitgen, Managing Director, Reuters News Agency, UK
• Peter Kropsch, CEO, Austria Press Agency, Austria
• Michael Ludewig, Deputy Editor in Chief, German Press Agency, Germany
• Amadou Mahtar Ba, Chief Executive, African Media Initiative, Kenya
• Philippe Massonnet, Global News Director, Agence France-Presse, France

Moderated by:
Ken Doctor, Leading Media Analyst, Author of “Newsonomics”, USA

Attendance limited to pre-registered participants

Digital - Friday, 14 Oct 2011

11.00 - 12.30 Session 4

Digital

The iPad is just over a year old, Facebook and Twitter are just a little bit older, and it’s no secret that the fastest growth area for most newspapers is all things digital. The news industry has become quicker and more adept at seizing new opportunities. This session, featuring one of the most innovative publishers in Asia, the first tablet-only newspaper, and some of our “frenemies” Google and Facebook, will examine trends and success factors in digital, what new business and revenue models are promising, and what role social media will play, now and in the future.

• Rebecca Grossman-Cohen, Director of Marketing, The Daily, USA
• Mariam Mammen Mathew, COO, Manorama Online, India
• Reggie Bradford, CEO / Founder, Vitrue Inc., USA
• Madhav Chinnappa, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Google News EMEA, UK
• Facebook Executive

Moderated by:
Simon Regan-Edwards, Production Director, The Sunday Times, UK

Finance - Friday, 14 Oct 2011

09.15 - 10.30 Session 3

Finance

When it comes to the future, it’s all about revenues: the best journalism in the world is useless if there is nowhere to publish it. Plotting a smart and successful course, aimed at preserving the financial independence and sustainability of news publishers, is essential. This session will examine some of the big money questions of our business: how do we make our businesses more attractive to investors? How do we better prepare for economic downturns? Which newsrelated investments are likely to reap the best returns? How do we get through the next recession?

• Juan Luis Cebrián, CEO, PRISA, Spain
• Gregor Waller, former Vice President Strategy & Innovation, Member of the Board Welt Group, Axel Springer AG, Germany
• Plus more speakers to be announced

Moderated by:
Greg Beitchman, Global Editor, Reuters News Agency, UK

Repositioning - Thursday, 13 Oct 2011

14.45 - 16.00 Session 1

Repositioning

The media world is in constant flux, so our industry’s place in the future media landscape is uncertain. News publishers have to continually reposition themselves as changing customer preferences, technologies and competitors bring new opportunities and challenges. In this session, leading news media executives from around the world set the scene for the Congress and examine where the products and services newspapers create, can be positioned successfully in the media landscape.

• Rolv Erik Ryssdal, CEO, Schibsted, Norway
• Jeongdo Hong, COO/Executive Director, JoongAng Media Network, South Korea
• Hanzade Doğan Boyner, Chairwoman of the Board, Doğan Gazetecilik A.S., Turkey
• Wilfred David Kiboro, Chairman of the Board, Nation Media Group, Kenya
• Eugen Russ, Publisher and CEO, Vorarlberger Medienhaus, Austria
• Damian Kudriavtsev, CEO, Kommersant Publishing House, Russia

Moderated by:
Ken Doctor, Leading Media Analyst, Author of “Newsonomics”, USA

"News Corp. Board Undergoes a Shuffle" - NYTimes.com

Note the Facebook connection.

"Two women journalists killed in Mexico City"

The stories of newspaper people dying are so sad no matter who the people, no matter which country. We'll be able to talk about the challenges of news publishing in Mexico with at least one colleague, and we hope others will be joining him. Along with that, we are hoping for at least one speaker from Mexico as well - invitaiton pending. Here is the participant from Mexico:

Roberto ROCK Director Editorial C EL UNIVERSAL COMPAÑIA PERIODISTICA NACIONAL S.A DE C.V.

"Human Brain Responds To Animals, Cute Or Creepy" - NPR

Increasingly, there is a lot science being applied to the newspaper "process". Consider this applied to newspaper photos.

"All Leaked U.S. Cables Were Made Available Online as WikiLeaks Splintered" - NYTimes.com

Technology enabled disclosures are a mixed blessing for newspapers. On the one hand, we want to have access to almost everything; on the other hand, once it is provided, there is the risk that public policy may restrict access in even more troubling manners. This is especially true when inserting a third party like Wikileaks.

"WikiLeaks Accuses 'The Guardian' of Revealing Secret Passwords" - The Hollywood Reporter

Yes, security has become a very big issue. Isn't it remarkable how much of it depends on passwords?

"Sorry, Wrong In-Box" - NYTimes.com

Communications have been a part of the newspaper business almost forever, and surely since the use of the telegraph as noted in this posting from Nieman Reports at Harvard. Newspapers need to stay on top of what's happening in how people and organizations communicate, including the frustrations of customers as the interesting column above highlights.

"Reference Apps for the Budding Know-It-All" - NYTimes.com

It's interesting that this story mentions not a single newspaper as offering a "reference app". Seems to me like a big newspaper opportunity!

"Bill Adair, Editor of Politifact: 'Readers love this kind of accountability journalism'"

He is one of the speakers at the World Editors Forum.

"Facebook's New (New) Privacy Controls" - NYTimes.com

It may be that the conflict between technology and privacy will go on forever?

"It is right to curtail web anonymity" - FT.com

Newspapers have the opportunity to become clearer leaders of this good-sense move.

"WikiLeaks Web Site Crashes" - NYTimes.com

Computer vulnerability is an equal opportunity afflictor.

"Conrad Black on Life in Prison, Maintaining His Innocence, and Why He Blames Rupert Murdoch and News Corp. for His Legal Woes" - Vanity Fair

Who knows, another year Conrad BLACK might have been joining the Congress.

"Karma by the Cup" - NYTimes.com

We'll make sure there is plenty of free coffee at the Congress! In what city of the world does it seem better than in Vienna?

"Christine Lagarde’s Tough Message" - NYTimes.com

We are still hoping to convince Christine LAGARDE to join us at the Congress.

"Phil Bronstein: Should Journalists Get Out of the News?"

We'll be talking about branding at the Congress, and Phil BRONSTEIN raises a point that needs to be included in the discussion. What do we all think of the emerging school of thought that says that reporters ought to be their own brands? Is this over the top or down the tubes?

"Dominican Republic Grows Weary of Haitian Refugees" - NYTimes.com

We are very fortunate to have a Haitian newspaper executive signed up for the Congress. That will give everyone a chance to ask more about the evolving story that is Haiti:

Gerard Luly MEZIDOR Directeur fondateur C TRIBUNE NORD

"U.S. Moves to Block AT&T Merger with T-Mobile" - NYTimes.com

"Financial Times Leaves Apple App Store Over Subscription Rules" - Peter Kafka - Media - AllThingsD

"Newspaper paywalls: What publishers have learned so far"

"Murdoch company puts other UK papers under review" - AP News - TriCities.com

Photos in Perpignan

Here is Le Monde's story on the annual Perpignan photo journalism event. (Click on the front page here to go to the story in French, but with machine translation available.)

Online Review Too Good To Be True? Sometimes It Is : NPR

Condé Nast Deepens Its Social Connections - NYTimes.com

China TV Deletes Video That Led to Hacking Fears - NYTimes.com

"Apple Ends Its TV Episode Rental Service" - NYTimes.com

"Half of America Is Using Social Networks" - NYTimes.com

"Google to Shut Down Slide Apps as Slide Founder Departs" - NYTimes.com

"Half of America Is Using Social Networks" - NYTimes.com

"Accounts of Chinese Bloggers on Weibo Suspended, Causing Protests" - NYTimes.com

"Bloomberg to Buy Bureau of National Affairs for $990 Million" - NYTimes.com

This is surely one way to pursue an opportunity!

"Behind the Glittery Web Start-Ups, Investors See Other Gold" - NYTimes.com

"Facebook Targets Instagram With Photo Filters" - NYTimes.com

"QR Codes Best in Magazines, Newspapers & Packaging" - Media Post Publications

"This Week in Review: Departures for Jobs and two media mainstays, and working with real-name rules" - Nieman Journalism Lab

"U.K. Police Charge Student in Anonymous Hacking Case" - NYTimes.com

"Samsung to Be Banned From Selling iPad Rival in Germany" - NYTimes.com

"C.I.A. Fights Memoir of 9/11 by F.B.I. Agent in Terror Fight" - NYTimes.com

"Body of abducted journalist found in Mexico" - Committee to Protect Journalists

"In Britain, a Meeting on Limiting Social Media" - NYTimes.com

"Tumblr Close to Raising Up to $100 Million" - NYTimes.com

"Steve Jobs’s Patents" - Interactive Feature - NYTimes.com

"Venezuelan newspaper shut, executives charged" - Committee to Protect Journalists

It's too bad that we have no one from Venezuela yet registered for the Congress.

"Jobs Stepping Down as Chief Executive of Apple" - NYTimes.com

InterAmerican Press Associaiton General Assembly - Lima, Peru

Although it's a tough connection, why not attend both this great event, and then come to Vienna?

IPI World Congress

Why not attend this congress and then come to Vienna?

INMA European Conference

Why not attend the Congress in Vienna and then go on to the INMA Conference in Lisbon?

SNPA News Industry Summit

Why not attend this, and instead of returning to your office, come to Vienna?

"Twitter Founders Back a New Start-Up" - NYTimes.com

"Journalists-Join-the-Education-Field" - Editor & Publisher ®

Why not?

"Google Pays $500 Million in Drug Ad Settlement" - WSJ.com

Newspapers may choose not to pursue this revenue "opportunity"!

"China Overtakes U.S. in PC Shipments" - NYTimes.com

"Disinformation and Confusion Swamp the Truth in Libya" - NYTimes.com

"Facebook Aims to Simplify Privacy Settings" - NYTimes.com

"The Seemingly Persistent Rise of Plagiarism" - NYTimes.com

Is it mostly an issue of education?

"Journalists Stuck in Tripoli's Rixos Hotel" - Adweek

The "truth" is stuck with them.

"Coulson Was Paid by News International While Working for Cameron" - Adweek

"Watch the Throne" - Adweek

"A Magazine Bets on Readers Playing Tag" - NYTimes.com

What's the future of all this for newspapers?

"'Madness' And Leadership, Hand In Hand" - NPR

Moving Towards Excellence in the Newspaper Business « EJO – European Journalism Observatory

"Michelle Rhee Eager for Spotlight, but Not in Cheating Scandal" - NYTimes.com

I wonder how many other newspapers face the same sorts of challenges in other countries? It would make a nice subject on which to compare notes, no?

"Corporate Interests Threaten Children’s Welfare" - NYTimes.com

There will be a very useful round table on 12 Oct dealing with young readers. The broader picture painted in the linked op ed piece is well worth keeping in mind as you prepare for that event.

18th World Editors Forum

There are some very good new people just added to the Forum program in Vienna. One of the nice benefits of having the Forum and the Congress run both concurrently, and intertwined at points, is the chance that this gives everyone to talk with both participants and speakers from both events.

"The Power of Print" - 10-11 Oct 2011

This is one of the many events associated with the Congress during World Newspaper Week in Vienna.

"About" WAN-IFRA

Opportunities - Saturday, 15 Oct 2011

09.00 - 10.30 Session 8

Opportunities

The newspaper business is no longer based on the simple revenue model of advertising and circulation sales. Many new businesses and revenue models emerging, yet deciding which will succeed and which will advance the core mission of the enterprise is very difficult. Investment and experimentation is no longer optional – the health of newspaper companies depends on their ability to develop new businesses. This session presents examples of new business opportunities, both traditional for newspaper companies and entirely new as well.

• Ravi Dhariwal, CEO, The Times of India, India
• Soheil Dastyari, CEO, Gruner+Jahr Corporate Editors, Germany
• Urs Gossweiler, CEO, Gossweiler Media AG, Switzerland
• Plus more speakers to be announced

"Skype Buys GroupMe, a Mobile Messaging Start-Up" - NYTimes.com

Where do newspaper digital strategies "fit" with respect to messaging of all kinds?

"Newly Flush, Local TV Newscasts Are Expanding" - NYTimes.com

Where do newspapers stand in the global growth of television, and especially very local television? How does that fit into the strategies of newspapers from different countries? Who is handling this especially well either in terms of doing a better news job than television competitors or in terms of the newspaper doing the television news itself?

Branding - Friday, 13 Oct 2011

16.30 - 18.00 Session 2

Branding

In the digital age, a newspaper’s brand can be more valuable than ever, representing accuracy, reliability and professionalism and generating deep customer loyalty. But many newspapers need advice on how to best leverage their brand in the modern media age. This session will present both publishers and executives from other industries who have best exploited the strength of their brands in consumer marketing. It’s all about establishing emotional bonds between consumers and products.

• David Roman, Chief Marketing Officer, Lenovo, USA
• Phillip Crawley, Publisher and CEO, Globe and Mail, Canada
• Dietmar Otti, Managing Director Marketing, Axel Springer AG, Germany
• Manfred Schmidt, Chairman, Institut für Markentechnik, Switzerland

Moderated by:
Eva Weissenberger, Deputy Bureau Chief and Deputy Editor, Kleine Zeitung, Austria

"Dip in Mobile Shipments to Western Europe Causes Concern" - NYTimes.com

Should newspapers in Europe be concerned?

"Jacob Boehm Found Through Social Media in Malaysia" - NYTimes.com

Is the role of newspapers limited to reporting a story like this one? Or is there a service element that newspapers might also choose to embrace?

"Google Goes Hardware Shopping" - NYTimes.com

The line between hardware and software has always been a bit blurry. Is it getting any clearer?

"Star Analysts Are Back (No Autographs, Please)" - NYTimes.com

We would love to see one or more of these people at the Congress! In any case, we'll surely talk about them.

"Information and services of the City of Vienna available on the Web"

"In a step down the mask and reveal the plot threads and edges on Syria .. Israeli delegation to visit one of groupings «opposition» in Madrid"

This appears to be the Syrian newspaper - Al Thawra - in the news today for its front page story about Western "conspiracy" against Syria. I am adding it not for the news as much as for the newspaper and the discussion we are likely to have about this in the context of continuing change in this region.

"Terri Ludwig of Enterprise Community, on Leadership" - NYTimes.com

I'll try to add some useful links here to leadership subjects that might make provoke quesitons and discussions around this session of the Congress.

Viennese newspapers

One of the things that I associate most with Vienna is its newspapers, especially when mounted on the poles of local cafes. I found this photo and thought I would add it here.

"As PCs Wane, Companies Look to Tablets" - NYTimes.com

"Dr. Google and e-Patients" - The People's Pharmacy®

As newspapers assess areas in which they might expand, invest and generally offer more value to customers, health issues are surely near the top of the list. This excellent discussion of the evolving role of the internet in healthcare might spark some ideas.

"European Leaders Split Over Solution to Euro Debt Crisis" - Irish Times

This may very well become the most important subject to discuss with colleagues in Vienna. How does it all affect newspapers from every angle?

"Ferreting Out Fake Reviews Online" - NYTimes.com

Chinese journalists punished for citing historian - Committee to Protect Journalists

There will be a good opportunity in Vienna to discuss this case, and pose other questions about newspapers in China when in Vienna, where these Chinese participants are scheduled to take part:

Shu Ping CHEN Editor in Chief C CHENGDU ECONOMIC DAILY
Eric Yigeng LI President C MIH PRINT MEDIA

"Anna Hazare Stirs Passions in India" - NYTimes.com

We have a wonderful delegation registered already from India and with whom others will be able to discuss this and other critically important stories emerging from India. These are the people registered so far:

Ravindra	DHARIWAL	CEO	S	BENNETT, COLEMAN & CO LTD
Shyam	PAREKH	Resident Editor - DNA Admedabad	S	DILIGENT MEDIA CORPORATION LTD
Manjula	RAJAGOPAL	Associate Editor	C	DINAMALAR
Ramasubbaiyer	SATHIAMURTHI	Editor, Publisher (Erode & Salem)	C	DINAMALAR
Marshall	BAPTISTA	Manager	C	FUN & JOY AT WORK
Deepu	RAVI	Managing Editor	C	KERALA KAUMUDI PVT LTD
Shanth Kumar	KANEKAL NETTAKALLAPPA	Editor and Director	C	THE PRINTERS (MYSORE) PVT. LTD.
Mir Firasath Ali	BAQRI	Editor-in-chief	F	THE YAM TIMES ENGLISH DAILY
Kiron	CHERUKURI	Managing Director	C	USHODAYA ENTERPRISES PVT. LTD.
Venkat	IDUPUGANTY	Director	C	USHODAYA ENTERPRISES PVT. LTD.
Avnish	SHARMA	BDM	F	VAST DIGITAL PUBLISHING PVT. LTD.

"Guardian Loses Readers Even After Ousting Murdoch Tabloid" - Businessweek

I had not realized that the situation at the Guardian was as perilous as this suggests.

"Latest in Web Tracking: Stealthy 'Supercookies'" - WSJ.com

"H-P Plans to Spin Off PC Business" - WSJ.com

"James Murdoch May Leave News Corp.: Reuters"

"Denver Post Unveils ‘New’ YourHub. But Is It New Enough?" - Street Fight

This is a piece by a fellow well-qualified to comment on the subject in a "publication" that I frankly had never seen.

"Sept milliards d'êtres humains sur terre, "un chiffre vertigineux" "- LeMonde.fr

A very short (2 mins or so) video from Le Monde (in French) collecting some of the television news reporting and commentary about the realization that we are headed toward a global population of 7 billion. Is that an opportunity for newspapers globally, and if so, who is planning best for all those people?

Contacts

I will start a list here of the most important contact numbers and e-mail addresses for anyone inquiring about, or planning to attend the Congress:

+ Congress coordinator - Dietmar SCHANTIN - +49-6151-733-760 - dietmar.schantin@wan-ifra.org 

Weather

Above is a link to average temperatures in Vienna during the Congress.

"Phone hacking: News of the World Hollywood reporter is arrested" - guardian.co.uk

"Tablet Buyers Only Want the iPad, Report Says" - NYTimes.com

Hmmmm.

"Kodak Launches Sale of Patents" - WSJ.com

More patent sales.

"The Remake of AOL Is Still Being Written" - NYTimes.com

We'll be talking about AOL, and its Huffington Post, in Vienna. Was acquiring the company a good opportunity, well used, by AOL?

"Crowd-Sourcing for Travel Advice" - NYTimes.com

"LinkedIn's Social-Ad Misstep" - NYTimes.com

"StumbleUpon Gets More Specific" - NYTimes.com

"GOOD to Acquire Jumo, a Nonprofit Charity Site" - NYTimes.com

"McGraw-Hill Explores Education Spinoff or Sale" - NYTimes.com

There is much to be learned by what other media organizations are doing to better position themselves for today's markets.

"Debate Over Social Media Incitement as Flash Mobs Strike" - NYTimes.com

"Gannett’s Cincinnati Enquirer to become first three-around compact newspaper" - Poynter

"A Bull Market in Tech Patents" - NYTimes.com

Newspapers have never been an especially patent-focused business. Perhaps that needs some rethinking?

"Amazon Set to Publish Tim Ferriss" - NYTimes.com

What else might Amazon choose to publish?

"BlackBerry Maker RIM Again Subject of Takeover Talk" - NYTimes.com

Ownership of a number of key players in the digital world seems to be in a period of some flux.

iPad Research Project

This is a project, run by the Reynolds Journalism Institute in Missouri, USA, that may be of interest to many newspaper people.

"Facebook App Allows Users To Avoid Texting Charges" - National Public Radio

An interesting discussion of a new Facebook intitiative.

Kenya - "Phone Messages Improve Care, Study Finds" - NYTimes.com

Kenya's leading media company will be well represented at the Congress. That provides great opportunities to talk about some really interesting media-related developments there.

"Tablet Newspaper (1994)" - YouTube

This video is a great reminder of how far newspapers have not come during nearly the last 20 years! Tablet Newspaper (1994) - YouTube

"‘The Hour’ on BBC, With Dominic West" - Review - NYTimes.com

As with all history, there is usually something very worthwhile to learn from it!

"Mubarak Trial Will No Longer Be Televised, Judge Rules" - NYTimes.com

It's very difficult to report the truth if their is only limited access to it. This is a very good development.

"Virtual and Artificial, but 58,000 Want Course" - NYTimes.com

Imagine how many courses that the world's newspapers could be offering.

"Phone Hacking: News Of The World Reporter Alleges Huge Cover-Up, Wide Knowledge Of Hacking"

This case shows no signs of going away, and the issues it rasies remain critical to newspapers everywhere.

"Google Deal Could Strain Ties With Phone Makers" - NYTimes.com

Contracts - along with patents - are a big part of what forms today's digital matrix.

"The Future of Digital Journalism is Transactions" - Forbes

Like so many issues, this one cuts across many of the topics to be addressed by the Congress sessions. The author of this piece raises some very thought-provoking suggestions about how journalism - and, I would say, all newspaper content - is moving toward much more of a disaggregated-transaction-triggering exercise. Surely newspaper executives from different countries and cultures will have comments and and reactions to this in Vienna.

"Local News Lost In Digital Translation" - NetNewsCheck.com

An interesting and troubling discussion in which most newspapers are deeply engaged.

"Naming A Company Right Can Spell Success" - NPR

The name is the brand.

"Google to Buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 Billion" - WSJ.com

A surprising move?

"Comedy Podcast Inside News Corp. Feasts on a Scandal" - NYTimes.com

Even very tough situations can always produce at least a little humor.

"Industry Tinkers to Create Privacy Tools for Mobile Devices" - NYTimes.com

Privacy has surely become one of the key media words of 2011.

As Mobile Networks Speed Up, Data Gets Capped - NYTimes.com

Some of the unexpected items on today's newspaper agenda!

"Source Sought for False Story on French Bank" - NYTimes.com

Newspapers still have a huge impact, whether they get the story right or wrong.

"York Dispatch online subscriptions start Monday" - York Dispatch

A cusotmer-oriented explanation of new approaches to newspaper pricing options.

"Threats on Many Fronts for European Economy" - NYTimes.com

I look forward to hearing more news and views of newspaper executives and others on financial and economic issues during this sesssion:
(Fri - 14 Oct)
09.15 - 10.30 Session 3
Finance
When it comes to the future, it’s all about revenues: the best journalism in the world is useless if there is nowhere to publish it. Plotting a smart and successful course, aimed at preserving the financial independence and sustainability of news publishers, is essential. This session will examine some of the big money questions of our business: how do we make our businesses more attractive to investors? How do we better prepare for economic downturns? Which newsrelated investments are likely to reap the best returns?
Juan Luis Cebrián, CEO, PRISA, Spain
Gregor Waller, former Vice President Strategy & Innovation, Member of the Board Welt Group, Axel Springer AG, Germany
Plus more speakers to be announced
Moderated by:Greg Beitchman, Global Editor, Reuters News Agency, UK

"Shooting in Morningside Park Tests Harlem's Bond With Past" - NYTimes.com

Where do newspapers fit into a story like this one?

"iPhone 5 In September Or October?" - This Week In Apple Rumors

Is this a possible date that belongs on newspaper calendars? We'll talk about it here:

(Fri - 14 Oct)

15.15 - 16.30 Session 6

Technology
With a bit of cleverness, newspaper publishers can take full advantage of new technologies and products to grow and sustain their businesses and reach a larger audience. But many publishers are in the dark about technology and leave this important management issue to others. This session will provide some help by examining technological and consumer trends and the latest developments in the laboratories of media and consumer technology companies and universities.
Douglas J. Edwards, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company, USA
Hannes Ametsreiter, Group CEO, Telekom Austria, Austria
Plus more speakers to be announced
Moderated by:Vasily Gatov, Head of RIA Novosti Media Lab, Russia

"Seul un Tunisien sur deux s'est inscrit sur les listes électorales" - Le Monde

What's the role of press in Tunisia today in supporting wider participation in voting there? We'll talk about this in this session:
(Fri - 14 Oct)

17.00 - 18.15 Session 7

How to tell the truth during a revolution
Joint session with World Editors Forum
The protests that have led to political upheaval in the Arab world, in countries where press freedoms are extremely limited, provide a considerable challenge for all news organisations, both local and foreign. During such events, where the sequence of events is highly complex, the issues extremely sensitive, and the dangers to those on the ground all too evident, how can news organisations best succeed in their mission to tell the truth? How can they use social media to best effect?
Magda Abu-Fadil, Director, Journalism Training Programme, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
Gamal Eid, Human Rights Lawyer, Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, Egypt
Philippe Massonnet, Global News Director, Agence France-Presse, France
Plus more speakers to be announced

Loving Groupon But Dating Others - NYTimes.com

Impact Your World - Special Coverage on CNN.com

The newspaper is dead! Long live the newspaper! - Lebanon Daily News

Argentine President Kirchner Aims at Re-Election - NYTimes.com

One Day I Will Write About This Place - By Binyavanga Wainaina - Book Review - NYTimes.com

This looks to be a wonderful book and a great way to introduce ourselves to colleagues from Kenya already registered for the Congress.

This Life - A Plugged-in Summer - NYTimes.com

What a fascinating piece - linked above - about how one might really use an iPad on holiday. It's hard to imagine the newspaper filling all of this role, but I look forward to talking with newspaper executives at the Congress about ways they might try to do just that.

Brazil’s Boom Draws Americans Eager to Profit - NYTimes.com

There are some extremely interesting and influential Brazilian newspaper leaders already registered for the Congress. Their newspapers are worth knowing amidst stories like the one linked above.

Luiz	MENDES	Converge Manager	F	DIÁRIOS ASSOCIADOS
Adhemar	GODOY JACOB	Director	C	GRUPO RAC - REDE ANHANGUERA DE COMUNICAÇÃO
Sylvino	GODOY NETO	President	C	GRUPO RAC - REDE ANHANGUERA DE COMUNICAÇÃO
Fabio	COSTA	Diretor Executivo Mercado Anunciante	C	O ESTADO DE SAO PAULO
Ricardo	GANDOUR	Director and Executive Editor	F	O ESTADO DE SAO PAULO
Silvio Jose	GENESINI	CEO	C	O ESTADO DE SAO PAULO
Cristiano Roriz	CÂMARA	Vice-Presidente	C	O POPULAR (GO)
Ronaldo Borges	FERRANTE	Diretor da Unidade Goiás	C	ORGANIZAÇÃO JAIME CAMARA
Luiz Fernando	ROCHA LIMA	Diretor de Jornalismo	C	O POPULAR (GO)
Vera Lucia	BRANDIMARTE MENDONÇA	Director	F	VALOR ECONOMICO S/A
Célia	FRANCO DE CAMPOS PINTO	Editor	F	VALOR ECONOMICO S/A
Nicolino	SPINA NETO	President & CEO	C	VALOR ECONOMICO S/A