May 29, 2012

There were 2 posts published on May 29, 2012 (this is page 1 of 1).

Warren Buffett’s letter to his editors and publishers

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett wrote a wonderful letter to the newspaper editors who became his employees. He touted the value of local journalism.

I thought about his words this week when, as I was read the Raleigh News and Observer, I realized I had learned of 90% of its stories from other sources. That’s fine for a newspaper, actually, if (and only if) the newspaper brings me depth I cannot get from other sources.

I expect to get the full story from the paper, not just a “teaser” for which the TV news is infamous. If all you’re bringing me is an abridged version of a story I’ve already read online, you’re not bringing me any value.

Though the economics of the business have drastically changed since our purchase of The Buffalo News, I believe newspapers that intensively cover their communities will have a good future. It’s your job to make your paper indispensable to anyone who cares about what is going on in your city or town.

That will mean both maintaining your news hole — a newspaper that reduces its coverage of the news important to its community is certain to reduce its readership as well — and thoroughly covering all aspects of area life, particularly local sports. No one has ever stopped reading when half-way through a story that was about them or their neighbors.

via Warren Buffett’s letter to his editors and publishers | JIMROMENESKO.COM.

Coastal N.C. counties fighting sea-level rise prediction

While there’s still enough sand left on our coast to do so, state lawmakers and coastal county officials intend to bury their heads in it.

State lawmakers are considering a measure that would limit how North Carolina prepares for sea-level rise, which many scientists consider one of the surest results of climate change.

Federal authorities say the North Carolina coast is vulnerable because of its low, flat land and thin fringe of barrier islands. A state-appointed science panel has reported that a 1-meter rise in sea level is likely by 2100.

The calculation, prepared for the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission, was intended to help the state plan for rising water that could threaten 2,000 square miles. Critics say it could thwart economic development on just as large a scale.

A coastal economic development group called NC-20 attacked the report, insisting the scientific research it cited is flawed. The science panel last month confirmed its findings, recommending that they be reassessed every five years.

via Coastal N.C. counties fighting sea-level rise prediction – Local/State – NewsObserver.com.