Allen Wastler, the managing editor of CNBC.com, writes Wednesday that readers of his Web site aren’t that interested in stories about the world trade talks breaking down.
Wastler writes, “Sure the world trade talks, which just crumpled for the umpteenth time, are very, very important. Global trade is one of those macro-economic things that touches everyone in one way or another. A farmer or factory worker suddenly faces overseas competition that puts them out of a job. Consumers suddenly find lower prices and more choices. Trade rattles all the way down the food chain and can be good or bad, depending on your point of view.
“Something business news readers should stay on top of, no?
“But readers hate it. At least that’s what my traffic meters tell me. Why? Well, it’s theoretical and pretty far from the here and now. Not like stories of people trying to get money out of failing banks or gas prices suddenly swinging by a dollar. Also, the trade discussions are handled by full-blown, bureaucratic diplomats. Their messages to one another may be full of nuanced meaning … but their diplo-speak rarely makes riveting news copy.”
OLD Media Moves
Readers hate stories about world trade talks
July 30, 2008
Allen Wastler, the managing editor of CNBC.com, writes Wednesday that readers of his Web site aren’t that interested in stories about the world trade talks breaking down.
Wastler writes, “Sure the world trade talks, which just crumpled for the umpteenth time, are very, very important. Global trade is one of those macro-economic things that touches everyone in one way or another. A farmer or factory worker suddenly faces overseas competition that puts them out of a job. Consumers suddenly find lower prices and more choices. Trade rattles all the way down the food chain and can be good or bad, depending on your point of view.
“Something business news readers should stay on top of, no?
“But readers hate it. At least that’s what my traffic meters tell me. Why? Well, it’s theoretical and pretty far from the here and now. Not like stories of people trying to get money out of failing banks or gas prices suddenly swinging by a dollar. Also, the trade discussions are handled by full-blown, bureaucratic diplomats. Their messages to one another may be full of nuanced meaning … but their diplo-speak rarely makes riveting news copy.”
Read more here.
Full-Time
Crain’s Chicago seeks an AME of news
May 1, 2024
Media News
FT’s Agenda hires Sandler as associate editor
May 1, 2024
Media News
Claman of Fox Biz inducted into Cable Hall of Fame
May 1, 2024
Media News
BBC News hires Edwards as money, work and tech reporter
May 1, 2024
Media News
Maher named Reuters deputy breaking news editor for Middle East
May 1, 2024
Subscribe to TBN
Receive updates about new stories in the industry daily or weekly.