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NYT looks to ME, gains from the Net

DUBAI — Michael Golden, vice-chairman of the New York Times Company, speaks in measured, yet upbeat tones about the march of the media. It comes from his long stint with one of the most respected newspaper brands in the world. The visage is that of man who is studied and subtle, who thinks out his decisions and keeps his emotions under check. It is easier to read his newspaper than
his mind.

The neutral approach comes with the territory and he is in his element talking of trends that will take the industry forward. The potential for growth is enormous if newspapers and media organisations change with the times.

It’s a balancing act for newspaper companies between print and online. Technology will be the great differentiator in the battle for eyeballs and news organisation that innovate are set to survive and profit long term.

The New York Times returned to profit last quarter and 26 per cent of its revenue comes from the Web edition, reveals the senior executive of the company.

‘‘There are larger plans to make readers pay for exclusive content.’’ Golden is confident of the pay model going because reading habits are more primed for the Web. He pauses when you pose a question about the recession, looks you in the eye and says, ‘‘We will consider what is best moving forward. It will depend on the situation; what’s good for another era will not suit
the present.’’

Golden should know because he has served in different positions in the company, both at the NYT and the International Herald Tribune, the global edition of the Times, and has Master’s degrees in journalism, education and business administration.

But this is certainly not the end of the print edition. It is not out of style, feels Golden. It has just taken a new, younger digital avatar, for a younger generation.

‘‘Music, movies...have gone through this phase of transition from analog to digital; it’s now the turn of newspaper.’’ He stresses on innovation for the fleeting era and believes there is a vast readership out there that wants serious, in-depth reports.

‘People are not reading the same way, but they are still reading. There are huge amounts of reading. Newspapers have a future if we can retain trust.’’

The Times could well show the way at plotting a revival for conventional media using modern interactive tools like Twitter on the Web.

Coming to the Middle East, Golden, who is also President and CEO of the regional Media Group, says the signals are positive and foresees a surge in English readership. ‘‘We have (IHT) editions in Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Israel and Dubai in the UAE.’’ The Times also has a tie-up with Deccan Chronicle in India.

How does an American brand make an impact in a multilingual society, taking into view local and cultural sensitivities.

Pat comes the reply: ‘‘We have to stay relevant to the region, and provide reports that are clear and neutral. Our opinion pages have a point of view, not the others, which are balanced reports.’’

It is again that quest for the middle ground. The media in the Middle East will surely benefit.

allan@khaleejtimes.com

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