Innovation Needs Scale: Why Critical Mass Matters

Sustained investment and a commitment to journalistic quality are crucial for successful media innovation, according to industry leaders speaking at a recent event. Aleksander Kutela of Ringier Axel Springer Polska emphasized the need for patience and scale when launching new projects. “It’s like heating water to steam – you need to reach a critical mass, a certain temperature, to see results,” he explained, suggesting that innovation requires significant upfront investment and time to mature.

This principle of sustained investment was echoed by Louis Dreyfus of Le Monde, which has dramatically expanded its newsroom by 80% since 2010. Dreyfus argued that investing in journalism isn’t merely a strategic choice for quality media outlets, but a necessity. He believes a robust newsroom fosters trust with readers – a vital component in a challenging media landscape. He sharply criticized the notion of replacing journalists with artificial intelligence, stating that readers pay for the expertise and work of journalists, not algorithms.

The ownership structure of a media company also plays a significant role in its ability to innovate, according to Dr. Rainer Esser of DIE ZEIT. He noted that publicly traded companies, or those prioritizing short-term profits, often struggle to cultivate a culture of long-term experimentation and well-being. DIE ZEIT, benefiting from a family ownership structure, enjoys greater freedom to pursue gradual improvements and foster a supportive environment.

Finally, Patty Michalski of Hearst Newspapers highlighted the importance of user-friendly tools for journalists. She stressed the need for seamless collaboration between newsrooms and product teams to ensure that innovative tools are not only effective but also easily integrated into daily workflows and designed for sustained use.

Ultimately, the consensus suggests that successful media innovation isn’t about quick fixes or cost-cutting measures. It’s a long-term commitment to quality journalism, a supportive company culture, and a willingness to invest in both people and technology. The industry appears to be at a crossroads, where prioritizing genuine journalistic value will likely determine which organizations thrive in the years to come.