“Marketplace” recasts itself as a multimedia enterprise

Tyler Falk of Current writes about how the public radio business news show “Marketplace” is remaking itself.

Falk writes, “EP Deborah Clark described the strategic plan as a ‘transformation from a suite of radio programs and a digital presence’ into an enterprise that spins off ‘different kinds of brand extensions, whether that’s curriculum or events or expanding the coverage that we’re currently doing on air.’

“Produced and distributed by American Public Media, Marketplace is in the beginning stages of its expansion, which calls for hiring two key managers to lead the effort. A chief content officer will be tasked with transforming the newsroom into one that is ‘truly multiplatform,’ Clark said. And a chief operating officer will build infrastructure for the strategic shift. Both positions are to be filled early this year.

“As the strategy rolls out, Marketplace could hire as many as 35 additional employees, building on its current workforce of 85. The two-year plan, which estimates staff needs, calls for recruiting reporters, producers, analysts and audience-insight specialists. ‘We recognize the areas we need to invest in in order to … reach more audience and serve more people,’ Clark said.

“A $500,000 grant from the Hewlett Foundation will help pay for the first 18 months of the strategic plan.”

Read more here.