Nicco Mele: In Search of a Business Model: The Future of Journalism in an Age of Social Media and Dramatic Declines in Print Revenue

Nicco Mele, author, digital strategist and Wallis Annenberg Chair in Journalism at the USC Annenberg School of Journalism, discussed the future and feasibility of various news outlet business models. Mele, who is also a former senior vice president and deputy publisher of the Los Angeles Times, and a Shorenstein Center board member, said that while the production and distribution of digital journalism are well understood, "what's not well understood is how we make money or fund journalism in the digital age." Mele also discussed his time at the Los Angeles Times, opportunities for longform journalism, crowdfunding, microfunding, verticals for niche audiences, hyperlocal journalism, the role of social media in the 2016 election and more. This Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event was recorded on February 18, 2016, at Harvard Kennedy School.