By Ben Haber
In a story published in today’s paper, Boston Globe publisher P. Steven Ainsley spoke with Boston Globe reporter Robert Gavin about the paper’s current financial problems and how he is prepared to weather the storm.
While Ainsley did not have any specific answers or solutions, he did hint at some changes that people should expect, including higher newspaper costs and future layoffs. Here are some of his thoughts from the story:
- The Globe will continue to reduce its workforce in the near future but does not have any specific layoffs planned.
- Ainsley says the Globe is more than just a business , and is a huge community responsibility that he takes very seriously.
- Ainsley would not comment about whether the Globe is for sale, but the New York Times has reported that the Times Company is looking to sell the paper.
- Globe employees have been asked to make considerable financial and personal sacrifices
- The Globe’s business model is shifting away from an almost complete dependence on advertising for revenues to one that will have readers pay more (the Globe will soon be announced increased subscription prices).
- The Globe is studying ways to charge readers of its online affiliate, Boston.com, but they have not determined how this might work.
May 8th, 2009
By Ben Haber
By now you’ve heard that Manny Ramirez has been suspended 50 games for testing positive to a banned MLB substance. Everyone has weighed in, and many people, including ESPN’s Jason Stark, have called for a better explanation then the carefully crafted statement Manny put out yesterday.
Luckily for Manny, so many MLB players have be caught using steroids that he (and his super agent Scott Boras) can look at how each one managed the storm and figure out the best way to begin Manny’s healing process. Here are three steps Manny could take (put probably won’t) to re-connect with fans and ask for forgiveness:
1. Be honest: Lying about steroid use is not a smart move because many, many people digging for new information and details. Roger Clemens has thoroughly proved that denial won’t win the heart of fans. Instead Manny should admit what he did, say it was wrong, and ask for forgiveness.
2. Take advantage of social media: While I think this has a zero percent chance of happening, Manny would be greatly benefited to connect with fans directly through social media. By joining Twitter, Manny could interact with fans, show his wacky personality and avoid the media all together (which we all know he does anyway). It would also keep him busy for the next 2 months…
3. Become an example: Manny should do his part to let kids know that steroid use isn’t smart or healthy. By doing this he would be admitting fault and encouraging kids not to cheat and compromise their health to get ahead. While I don’t think this will happen either (you may remember Manny skipping a Red Sox team trip to Walter Reed Medical Center) it would certainly help his reputation.
Do you have any other PR advice for Manny?
May 8th, 2009
