The New York Times Co. (NYSE:NYT) is breaking its tradition of reporting news by the creation of a new section in its newspaper that will recognize Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR). Given that the messaging platform is in common use for breaking news the NYT will incorporate the tweets from its reporting staff. However, the tweets must be accurate and significant.
In support of its new endeavor, the Times has already revamped the pages of its print edition, which will now take the “front of the book,” look. The new pages are an effort of creating a relationship between print and digital era.
Let’s bridge the publisher’s digital and print content: Times declares
On several occasions, Nieman Lab’s Joshua Benton has pointed out at how The Times is not utilizing its reporters by highlighting their tweets. Nonetheless, it is never too late for a willing heart and it seems like it has taken charge of Benton’s challenge.
Most people that look for the latest Tweets to stay updated with ongoing or upcoming activities. Editor-in-chief of The New York Times Magazine, Jake Silverstein says that they have realized the need to bridge the publisher’s digital and print content.
New section will incorporate much more than just the reporter’s tweets
The redesigned pages will primarily be home to tweets from Times reporters. However, it will also accommodate Times highlights from its audio and video content in addition to featuring a mini-crossword puzzle.
It is worth nothing that Times will not be taking advantage of its new section to push more of its readership online. Silverstein explains, “These things aren’t meant to be referrals to the digital experience, but small encapsulations.”
At the same time, it is also playing safe with existing print readership not to take more of a hit in an era that is accommodating so many people online. It remains to be seen whether or not the new move will have any positive impact. In the meantime, Twitter’s stock closed at $15.56 a fall of $0.19 or 1.21%.