4 May 2009

Halls to run workshop for publishing executives

Jonathan Halls returns to Ifra’s Summer University this year to co-facilitate a day’s workshop for publishing executives with Madeline Finnerty PhD. 

The Summer University is an annual event held in Saint Paul de Vence, on the Mediterranean coast, just inland from Nice.  This popular retreat for leaders is run by Ifra South West, a regional division of Ifra the international newspaper association.

This year’s Summer University is is focusing what news will look like in 2017.  It will review platforms, mediums and products as well as discuss how these new products fit in a changing world. 

Jonathan and Dr Finnerty will lead a series of sessions on leadership for the publishing industry and how executives need to recreate their organizations so they’re ready for the new products and platforms.  

Innovation & Organizational Success

The key to future organizational success lies in leading innovation in complex times with higher level communication that improves organizational performance.  Organizations also need to have flexible workforces that can adapt to constant change.

Based on insights at the conference on the future of news, Jonathan and Dr Finnerty will help participants build strategies to improve workforce agility and intensify innovation that they can take back can apply to their organizations.

Jonathan is looking forward to working with Dr Finnerty because she brings years of experience as both a thinker and practitioner.  “Dr Finnerty brings a remarkable grasp of the world and a deep insight into how it is changing,” he said. 

“She ignores the superficial fluff of management fads and trendy new ideas.  Instead, she challenges people to look at the underlying assumptions that influence change.

“I believe this will add an important dimension to the workshop as we peel back some of the layers that have shrouded discussion on these topics and focus on what publishing organizations need to do to survive,” he said.

Ifra runs numerous events around the world that look at the future of newspapers.  This one is exclusive and aimed at senior executives who want to ensure their companies are ahead of the pack.

Newspapers face challenges

“Newspapers are in big trouble right now,” Jonathan said.  We see well established brands closing their doors after a hundred years of great service to their communities.

And we see increased uncertainty as good reliable newspapers shrink in size – people are questioning what the role of the newspaper is.

“The situation is so dire that some state governments in the US are talking about newspaper bail-outs.  But the question remains, do companies need bail-outs or do they need to change?

“It’s a bit like saying that people aren’t buying the Model T Ford anymore so let’s bail out the company when in fact we need a new car designed for today’s world.

“Of course every organization is different and needs to follow a different path.  Some have already made the tough decisions that will ensure their survival.

“In this workshop we’ll help leaders frame the questions they need to ask about their organizations and leadership style.”

Jonathan Halls has worked in media for two decades.  He has worked as a foreign correspondent, talk show host, media executive and corporate communication manager.  He formerly ran the prestigious BBC Production Training department in London.  He led a large team that delivered the BBC's multimillion dollar training operation for television, radio operations and new media. 

Over the past three years, Halls has worked mostly with newspapers transitioning to multimedia, consulting and teaching across media production and leadership.