For several months, former Washington Post digital pioneer Jim Brady has been building what is considered the first true test of an online news business.
True test, in that it's resourced professionally, framed to capture the many voices of the community, and underwritten with a financial model that balances convention and innovation.
Brady's own leadership is considered a major asset; few enjoy the respect he does in the business.
It's called TBD.com and Brady has been disclosing details in advance of the official launch next week in Washington, where it will be a full-on local news competitor. Among them: a local blog network, companion television operations that will shut their sites and merge with TBD, geo-tagged content, and a model that sets up possible franchises elsewhere.
The site will feature about a dozen reporters in the mix of dozens of amateur contributors and advertising partnerships. Significantly, it's also differentiating its mobile from desktop content.
True test, in that it's resourced professionally, framed to capture the many voices of the community, and underwritten with a financial model that balances convention and innovation.
Brady's own leadership is considered a major asset; few enjoy the respect he does in the business.
It's called TBD.com and Brady has been disclosing details in advance of the official launch next week in Washington, where it will be a full-on local news competitor. Among them: a local blog network, companion television operations that will shut their sites and merge with TBD, geo-tagged content, and a model that sets up possible franchises elsewhere.
The site will feature about a dozen reporters in the mix of dozens of amateur contributors and advertising partnerships. Significantly, it's also differentiating its mobile from desktop content.
