“Archival Documents” Items

DRUPA 2000: Strategic Insights for Newspapers

Generated by AI, Edited by Human

After attending the DRUPA conference in Hamburg in 2000, I wrote a memo to key executives at Central Newspapers, Inc. In that memo, I outlined three major developments with strategic implications for newspapers: growing interest in print personalization, hybrid press models blending offset and digital technologies, and increasing automation in production workflows. I noted the relevance of digital asset management and variable data printing, advising that newspapers explore how these innovations could improve cost control and product flexibility. The memo frames DRUPA 2000 as a critical checkpoint for understanding how commercial print technology could influence the future of newspaper publishing.

Year 2000 – Are You Ready? 1998 Talk

Here is asummary of the presentation titled “The Year 2000 – Are You Ready?” delivered by Howard Finberg at the Great Lakes Press Association Conference in February 1998:

This presentation addressed the potential business and operational impacts of the Year 2000 (Y2K) computer bug on newspaper organizations. Finberg outlined risks posed by date-sensitive systems across editorial, advertising, and production departments. The talk encouraged newspaper executives to take the issue seriously, highlighting both technical and managerial vulnerabilities. He emphasized contingency planning, IT audits, vendor verification, and executive accountability. The presentation concluded by calling for industry-wide preparation and cooperation to ensure publishing continuity and public trust in the event of system failures or disruptions caused by Y2K-related errors.

NewsU Milestones & Projections, 2003

This internal planning document from 2003 outlines key development milestones and projected benchmarks for Poynter’s News University (NewsU) e-learning initiative. It includes a proposed timeline for prototype development, course offerings, marketing strategies, and technology deployment. The plan targets phased rollouts, with specific goals for course completions, registered users, and institutional partnerships. The document anticipates growing user engagement and national visibility by the end of year one. It also highlights core deliverables including a course management system, self-directed learning design, and alignment with journalism education goals established in early grant proposals.

Understanding PAFET, 1995

Summary of a February 7, 1995 presentation about PAFET, generated by AI

An Interview with PAFET – 1995 Slide Deck Summary

Overview:
PAFET (Partners Affiliated for Exploring Technology) was a research consortium formed by six leading U.S. media companies in the early 1990s: A.H. Belo, Central Newspapers, Cowles Media, Freedom Communications, McClatchy Newspapers, and Pulitzer Publishing. Collectively, these companies represented the second-largest daily newspaper circulation in the U.S.

Mission:
PAFET’s purpose was to support its member companies in exploring and understanding emerging technologies related to media content and marketing. It was not a development or operational body, but a strategic initiative focused on information-sharing and innovation.

“PAFET is not a development or operating entity… It provides information, experience, and analytical support.”

Key Objectives (1995):

  • Track technological and market threats to traditional newspapers

  • Identify opportunities for digital expansion

  • Support internal R&D efforts

  • Assist members in repurposing content across new platforms

  • Launch industry-focused consumer studies on online behavior

  • Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting digital media

Structure:

  • Management Committee: Company executives (e.g., Michael Pulitzer)

  • Operating Committee: Media strategists and technologists (e.g., Howard Finberg, Martha Duckert, David Lipman, Gary Pruitt)

  • Operated under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act (NCRPA)

1995 Priorities:

  • Launch a multi-market consumer study on online news habits

  • Create CD-ROM and digital publishing tools

  • Conduct innovation workshops for employment and real estate

  • Collaborate with vendors to improve repurposing workflows

  • Study the evolution of content markets and user behavior

American Press Institute Schedule: 1988

This 1988 flyer from the American Press Institute outlines its seminar offerings for newspaper professionals. API, based in Reston, VA, offered immersive, topic-specific programs ranging from editorial leadership and design to marketing, technology, and HR. The flyer highlights seminar structure, costs, admission criteria, and a robust schedule for continuing education in journalism and media management.

PAFET Meeting Schedule: 1997

Here’s an internal memo from the executive director regarding the Partners Affiliated for Exploring Technology [PAFET] discussing the 1997 meeting schedule

TO: Howard Finberg
FROM: Marla McDonald
SUBJECT: 1997 PAFET Meeting Schedule
*****
I have attached a revised schedule based on our discussion this morning. I switched the Jan OpCom and Nov MngCom meetings since Freedom is behind in hosting MngCom meetings, and then tried to select locations based on weather and Member Company balance. I also changed the date of the May MngCom meeting due to McClatchy scheduling conflicts (Gary Pruitt is the only MngCom member to notify me of date preferences).
Susan just reminded me that we have tentatively scheduled the next Internet Workshop in Dallas on January 16-17th – should we try to coordinate the OpCom meeting with this workshop? Is this workshop still on?