Book Description

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT MEGA MEDIA "Every so often an author explains our culture in such an original way that from that day on we see the world around us in a new, if not clearer, light. This is especially true when the topic is the business of media, because its influence is a thread woven intricately into our daily routine. "MEGA MEDIA" is an important and a good read." Anil Padmanabhan Nieman Reports "MEGA MEDIA is must-reading for any communications executive or any citizen seriously interested in the transformation of the news business." Walter Anderson Publisher Parade Magazine "MEGA MEDIA...is an important story told in a concise, thoughtful and highly readable manner. It effectively debunks the conventional wisdom that so easily emerges from the myths about our business. For that reason alone, the book deserves to be read and discussed widely." Robert H. Giles Senior Vice President The Freedom Forum Media Studies Center "With the grace of an accomplished journalist and the experience of a newspaper owner, Nancy Maynard analyzes the forces shaping the newspaper business. Her passion for the social mission of journalism is clear, but so is her vision of economic necessity. Don't come to this volume for nostalgia or newsroom populism. Maynard knows that the future is brightest when at present one begins by facing up to the earth." Jack Fuller President/Publishing Tribune Co. "MEGA MEDIA is the best distillation of what's happening to the news businesses that I have read. I'm recommending it to people I know who are concerned about these issues - which should mean everyone in journalism." Jim Bettinger Director John S. Knight Fellowships "I can't imagine anyone lecturing about the media or the future of journalism without turning to [this] book." Jim Steele Senior Writer-at-Large Time Inc. If you feel besotted by the hoopla over what is happening to the news business these days, over how the frenetic marketplace and rampaging technology seem to be placing everything up for grabs, then here is a welcome piece of clarity and insight. Everyone from Luddites to early adopters can benefit from Nancy Maynard's nonhysterical, nondefensive, nonjargony - and delightfully nonlengthy - analysis. "The news business today", she aptly writes, "is like the Wild West, in digital drag". But Maynard, a veteran journalist, businessperson and educator, takes a straightforward approach to demystifying this superheated environment. She identifies seven "forces driving the future of news" and offers clearheaded analysis, sensible predictions and some measured but wise advice. Her work is characterized by balance and open-mindedness. She clearly has a point of view - the love of journalism, particularly the kind that serves the public interest with robustness and diversity. But she is no oldtimer flailing away at all things modern. She understands the business imperitve (she and late husband, Robert Maynard owned the Oakland Tribune), she appreciates technological advance, and she seems comfortable with change. Exerpted from August, 2000 review by Carl Sessions Stepp Senior Editor American Journalism Review To read more about Maynard and her book, please visit the author's website.