Washington papers to share stories, too
Following Ohio’s model, Washington state newspapers are going to share stories in the nebulous future. Right now, we have to call other newspapers to get copies of their stories if it doesn’t run on the AP wire. For instance, I was able to use material from the Kitsap Sun last week for a story on a local superintendent who is looking for work there (see result, which unfortunately the online version does not credit the Kitsap Sun).
I’m not sure why this is happening now, but I suspect it has to do with all of the recent layoffs at the Seattle Times and hiring freezes at other papers. My paper wants more local content, and while the stories are not written by local staff, it gives them an opportunity to fill the pages with local-enough content.
I think this is a good plan, though I wonder if this means that local bureaus can continue to cut more and more people because they have this new service to fall back on.
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008