Reuters news, two years after the deal

The Baron, a site that tracks Reuters-related news, has an editorial Friday examining where the company’s news service stands two years after the company merged with Thomson.

The Baron writes, “In the news agency, multi-media packages combining text, pictures, graphics and video have won awards, and innovative formats for popular new platforms like the iPad have been designed and launched to acclaim.

“The reporting staff is up to around 3,000 from 2,400 at the time of the takeover, and the journalistic culture is itself changing. Editorial has moved aggressively to leave behind the days of the anonymous agency by hiring a galaxy of stars to produce commentary. High-profile journalists are encouraged to present the public face of Reuters as pundits on US television business and current affairs shows.

“The acquisition of Breakingviews, a leading provider of online financial insight, is part of a drive to make Reuters the global leader in point-of-view journalism for financial markets and the indispensable news service for the 21st century.

“Editorial chiefs believe Reuters’ traditional fact-based news coverage is enhanced by commentary. Columns by recognised experts are now a regular feature of the file. Instant feedback from readers, facilitated by social networks like Facebook and Twitter as well as directly from the reuters.com website, is solicited.”

Read more here.