"Since we know that our consumers have an incredible number of media options, we must find a way to become their daily indispensable choice. So how do we do this? In one-way or another, this fundamental question is the underlying theme of every presentation at this conference."
Arthur O. Sulzberger, Chairman, The New York Times Company, USA
"No matter what the future will bring, it is our institution that will be at the forefront of scrutinising official ill-doing, governmental double-speak, human rights abuses, and not forgetting corporate sector corruption. To go back in time, can you imagine teletext breaking the great exposes -- Watergate, Willowgate in Zimbabwe, Inkathagate in South Africa? So, roll on cell phones as devices that disseminate news, yet only those that are linked with our legacies, and likely also drawing on our staff investments, will disseminate that kind of journalism that makes us the fourth estate."
Trevor Ncube, Executive Chairman, The Zimbabwe Independent and The Standard and Chief Executive M&G Media Ltd., South Africa
"In order to attract newspaper readers, it is going to become more important than ever for us to put the paper together from the readers’ perspective. Newspapers are not supposed to teach down to their audience from a superior position. They are supposed to uncover problems and discuss issues from the same eye level as the audience."
Ryoki Sugita, President & CEO, Nikkei, Japan
"Newspapers have been traditionally linked to a moment of dedication to reading, to concentration for a few minutes, to reflection, to interest in debate, and to interest in what is public and what is private interest. But the society worldwide has undergone deep transformations in recent decades. A change in ideological axis, mainly in 1989, swept the world, making the new generations, emphasizing values linked to individualism, hedonism, and the incessant search for personal well-being."
Ricardo Gandour, Director, Infoglobo Communications, Brazil
"This industry has a lot of reasons to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the newspaper in print. These 400 years give us confidence and pride and basically the assurance that there are no problems ahead of us that we can’t resolve."
Gerd Finkbeiner, Chairman of the Board, MAN Roland, Germany]]
"Over the past decade, the information autocracy has become the digital democracy. Welcome to the multi-mediated news-on-demand Consumer Republic, where every person has access to the tools if not the desire to be publisher, editor and scribe. Consumers still like paper, but they sure don’t depend on it. Their collective intelligence outstrips yours. They can do what you do, though not as well."
Kevin Roberts, CEO Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi
"We are looking for ideas. We’re not looking for advertising."
Tim Ellis, Global Director of Advertising Media, Volvo, Sweden |
