Gannett didn’t know what it bought when it got the Register. It starved the paper and let its circulation collapse. No longer the “Newspaper Iowa Depends Upon “, just a shadow of what it was. In its heyday the Register expressed the opinions that influenced six Representatives and two Senators. It has almost no relevance outside Des Moines now.
This has completely baffled me for more than a year. Especially since they have access to Gannett sister paper Indy Star's coverage. They don't even have to do the work. For an organization motivated by clicks, they ignore the biggest clickbait personality in the country, not just Iowa. (The Cedar Rapids Gazette sent a reporter to Las Vegas last year when the Fever played the Aces, with three former Hawkeyes and a Cedar Rapids native all playing in that game. Mike Hlas wrote great stuff.)
The Register is not even a shadow of its former self, so that doesn't surprise me. It is a total mess. One simple example - the paper is in the center of Iowa, which is in the center of the country. Yet the Register posts all sports time starts in EASTERN TIME ZONE stats. So, to receive the correct start times, we need to recalculate the time zones. So many national web sites does this automatically, but you need to hunt to find out which time zone they are listing. It is a small inconvenience, but frustrating for paid subscriptions. I know, I know, print media is having its problems. But other daily papers around the country seem to put forth a comprehensive, timely, easy to read online edition. I am waiting for the Register to run a breaking news story - trump wins reelection. As miserable as that might sound. Onward we go - if you live on the east coast.
That's not a journalistic issue. That's just a management issue where the managers don't care about the employees and vice versa. Management no longer cares about the quality of output nor the customer or what the customer needs and desires. And therefore the employees don't care. As long as the dollars keep coming their way.
Expense account cost, $25. Send a reporter to The Station on Ingersoll where scores of Fever Fanatics watch every game. Get local reaction. Check the ESPN box score. Not a tough management decision.
I bought a Register thinking it had to have an article covering yesterday's prime time game. No, and I won't make that mistake again. I know we can't turn back the clock and bring back the fantastic Peach Section, but we can make noise. Thanks for voicing many Iowan's opinions.
I never watch the WNBC until CC started playing for the Fever. The register doesn't care about women's basketball. I own a Fever Blanket. I will watch every fever game I can.
Real journalists are being laid off, yet this is what the audience pays to read. Even worse, you already told them how easy it was to fix their omissions. Heads should roll.
Well, I hope heads don’t roll over this one omission, even though it seems to be a recurring one. I’m all for journalists KEEPING their jobs - and doing them well.
Spot on, Dave. Thanks.
I am shocked that the Des Moines Register is out of touch with its community. That never happens :)
Thank you, Captain Renault!
Gannett didn’t know what it bought when it got the Register. It starved the paper and let its circulation collapse. No longer the “Newspaper Iowa Depends Upon “, just a shadow of what it was. In its heyday the Register expressed the opinions that influenced six Representatives and two Senators. It has almost no relevance outside Des Moines now.
It’s not the only paper struggling with economics. But this seems like a self-inflicted wound.
It’s hard to fathom. They don’t have to assign a reporter to this beat. Just republish the coverage from the Indianapolis newspaper.
Exactly.
This has completely baffled me for more than a year. Especially since they have access to Gannett sister paper Indy Star's coverage. They don't even have to do the work. For an organization motivated by clicks, they ignore the biggest clickbait personality in the country, not just Iowa. (The Cedar Rapids Gazette sent a reporter to Las Vegas last year when the Fever played the Aces, with three former Hawkeyes and a Cedar Rapids native all playing in that game. Mike Hlas wrote great stuff.)
I should have checked the Gazette this morning to see how it covered yesterday’s game. You’re right, this would be SO easy.
The Register is not even a shadow of its former self, so that doesn't surprise me. It is a total mess. One simple example - the paper is in the center of Iowa, which is in the center of the country. Yet the Register posts all sports time starts in EASTERN TIME ZONE stats. So, to receive the correct start times, we need to recalculate the time zones. So many national web sites does this automatically, but you need to hunt to find out which time zone they are listing. It is a small inconvenience, but frustrating for paid subscriptions. I know, I know, print media is having its problems. But other daily papers around the country seem to put forth a comprehensive, timely, easy to read online edition. I am waiting for the Register to run a breaking news story - trump wins reelection. As miserable as that might sound. Onward we go - if you live on the east coast.
That's not a journalistic issue. That's just a management issue where the managers don't care about the employees and vice versa. Management no longer cares about the quality of output nor the customer or what the customer needs and desires. And therefore the employees don't care. As long as the dollars keep coming their way.
"It makes no difference" - The Band
Hell no you’re not incorrect.
You are absolutely correct. Aren't both the Des Moines and Indianapolis newspapers Gannett? It can't be difficult.
Yes, they are.
Expense account cost, $25. Send a reporter to The Station on Ingersoll where scores of Fever Fanatics watch every game. Get local reaction. Check the ESPN box score. Not a tough management decision.
I wasn’t aware of that, Ben. Will have to stop by.
Dave, Let us know when you do. Barb and I will be happy to share our regular table with you.
Not wrong at all. I can't make sense of it.
I bought a Register thinking it had to have an article covering yesterday's prime time game. No, and I won't make that mistake again. I know we can't turn back the clock and bring back the fantastic Peach Section, but we can make noise. Thanks for voicing many Iowan's opinions.
I never watch the WNBC until CC started playing for the Fever. The register doesn't care about women's basketball. I own a Fever Blanket. I will watch every fever game I can.
Real journalists are being laid off, yet this is what the audience pays to read. Even worse, you already told them how easy it was to fix their omissions. Heads should roll.
Well, I hope heads don’t roll over this one omission, even though it seems to be a recurring one. I’m all for journalists KEEPING their jobs - and doing them well.
Those journalists should be replaced if they can't handle the job. You deserve better.
Exactly!! I was at an event this noon and half of the talk was about yesterday’s Fever game!!
Seems obvious!
Another reason why circulation is droppin Seems like they aren't even attempting to stay engaged. Following CC should be a SLAM DUNK!