\GoBillsInDallas/ Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 (edited) https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/03/03/the-athletic-sports-media-future/ Edited March 3, 2020 by \GoBillsInDallas/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jletha Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 Im a paid subscriber and I hope it lasts. I dont read it every day in the off season but during the season it has the best content for Bills stuff and thats true of every city. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in Horseheads Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 10 minutes ago, jletha said: Im a paid subscriber and I hope it lasts. I dont read it every day in the off season but during the season it has the best content for Bills stuff and thats true of every city. Joined about a month ago, hope I get my years worth. Good stories on the Sabres, Nets and now Orioles with some Bills stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 45 minutes ago, \GoBillsInDallas/ said: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/03/03/the-athletic-sports-media-future/ Good story, thanks! "With its growing subscriber base, the Athletic has already been more successful than early skeptics predicted, taking advantage of a fractured media environment and effectively serving the passions of local sports fans. But it has also spent millions on salaries. Eric Jackson, founder of EMJ Capital, a tech and media venture capital fund, worried about the company’s cash flow and valuation. “Usually people disclose revenues when it’s good news,” he said. “Another thing is: Why did they need to raise more capital? Because they’ve spent the rest of it and they need to keep paying people? At a $500 million valuation, they’re hoping this is going to be like a unicorn and then some. But it’s a media business, and I don’t see that.” " and Last year, the Athletic expanded overseas, hiring a team of soccer writers to cover the English Premier League. It has more than 100 podcasts and plans to add more. And it’s landing bigger stories every year: Rosenthal, along with Evan Drellich, broke the Houston Astros sign-stealing story. The scoop netted several thousand new subscriptions, Hansmann, the Athletic’s co-founder, said in an interview. “Our fundamental perspective is whenever there are layoffs somewhere else that it’s depressing,” Hansmann said. “But our business perspective is that interest in sports remains at close to an all-time high. So even as you have everything falling apart, the decline in the industry isn’t about the demand for content.” Hansmann said he appreciated what the Athletic means to the industry right now. “I think as far as the pressure of that, we don’t think about how things might go wrong,” he said. “Obviously, we’ve built a large company and raised outside funding, plenty of it. We’re stretched as founders, sure, but we feel like we control our destiny.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 Surprised Washington Post did not make it a pay article but I have noticed many websites news is free but sports is not. I guess this is why The Atlantic's model is working. Quote The Athletic has raised $140 million, is approaching 1 million subscribers and is valued at about $500 million, according to the company. But it’s not yet profitable. It hasn’t released any revenue figures. And it has continued to raise money, including a recent buy-in from actor Matthew McConaughey. In other words, it could represent the idyllic future of sports journalism, a venture capital-backed mirage or something in between. This sounds very much like Amazon model who was unprofitable for a very long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blacklabel Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 Hmm... they started out at $8 a month for a subscription and I don't think that lasted very long before they bumped it up to $11. The content is pretty good. Sometimes there's some filler, but guys like Joe B and Fairburn are on there, and Timmy Graham who I think is a solid writer that likes to troll sometimes. I dunno if I'd pay more than $11 a month though, so if they're looking for more revenue, hopefully it doesn't come in the form of charging subscribers more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Junction Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 6 minutes ago, Limeaid said: Surprised Washington Post did not make it a pay article but I have noticed many websites news is free but sports is not. I guess this is why The Atlantic's model is working. This sounds very much like Amazon model who was unprofitable for a very long time. Maybe Bezos wants to own the athletic as well as the Washington post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 I think it is so funny to see the thread a few inches down on Sullivan writing for the Niagara Gazette and now having some freelance gigs at channel 4, and Bucky being completely out of this biz...all the while the Athletic is thriving and some many young guys are now prominent writers like JoeB and Fairburn. And Sullivan and Gleason blame it all their editors!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jletha Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 34 minutes ago, blacklabel said: Hmm... they started out at $8 a month for a subscription and I don't think that lasted very long before they bumped it up to $11. The content is pretty good. Sometimes there's some filler, but guys like Joe B and Fairburn are on there, and Timmy Graham who I think is a solid writer that likes to troll sometimes. I dunno if I'd pay more than $11 a month though, so if they're looking for more revenue, hopefully it doesn't come in the form of charging subscribers more. Well their annual subscription is $60, which is substantially lower than $11/month. I split it with my brother and a buddy so its $20 for the year and we get everything we want. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BubbaT Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 I'm a definite fan of the Athletic and not just for Bills and Sabres coverage (which I think is very good). There are lots of great articles on all kinds of things in there and i get my moneys worth from it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over 29 years of fanhood Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 (edited) The Internet was bound to disrupt journalism particularly sports journalism which for example TBD crowd sources with free contributors. hobbyists will do for it for free and have access to most all the same video clips, tweets and stats. to get paid, one needs to do a much better job (be it entertaining, analytical or other) than the hacks of yore! Edited March 3, 2020 by Over 29 years of fanhood 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 (edited) I signed up in October when they started hoovering up a lot of the good soccer writers over here. As a former sports journalist myself I have to say it is a breath of fresh air. It is "proper" journalism. It isn't sensationalised garbage regurgitated for clicks. It isn't columnists trying to create personas. It is just quality content day after day. It cover my two biggest passions - soccer and the NFL - extremely well and I for one have basically given up reading the trash that sports pages of the mainstream newspapers churn out. I just read The Athletic articles on my morning commute. Edited March 3, 2020 by GunnerBill 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo_Gal Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 Been on it since the beginning. I don't read daily, but it is still worth the $$ to me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over 29 years of fanhood Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 (edited) 26 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said: I think it is so funny to see the thread a few inches down on Sullivan writing for the Niagara Gazette and now having some freelance gigs at channel 4, and Bucky being completely out of this biz...all the while the Athletic is thriving and some many young guys are now prominent writers like JoeB and Fairburn. And Sullivan and Gleason blame it all their editors!!!! Plenty of blame to go around when disruptive change happens and shakes things up. I think one particular additional point is opinion pieces are passé. I think the average sports news consumer is more educated than ever and is looking for knowledge and analysis more than more opinions. the internet has given a voice to billions of opinions from the most draconian to the most positive. The entertainment value has been replaced with free content alll over the place. Edited March 3, 2020 by Over 29 years of fanhood Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klos63 Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 The Athletic is a very good source for informative articles on the Bills and Sabres. If you are curious about league business , other leagues, other teams, it's a great source. If you're just looking to kill some time and read about sports, it's great. Always something of interest for a sports fan. Worth the $60/year. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whkfc Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 1 hour ago, Limeaid said: Surprised Washington Post did not make it a pay article but I have noticed many websites news is free but sports is not. I guess this is why The Atlantic's model is working. This sounds very much like Amazon model who was unprofitable for a very long time. I hit a paywall couldn't read the wp article Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 I have a discount for 40% off a 1 year athletic subscription. If anyone wants it let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDBillzFan Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 1 hour ago, plenzmd1 said: And Sullivan and Gleason blame it all their editors!!!! Internet killed the sportswriter star. Anyone with a keyboard and dial-up can be a sportswriter now. Tough to compete with that. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 I subbed about a year ago because I had a good deal, around $25 for the year. Best $25 I spent last year. I’ll be a sub if they continue with similar content. I love it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubes Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 It's pretty fascinating that I haven't heard much negative about The Athletic since it started. I'm not a subscriber so I don't know, but I find that interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoHuddleKelly12 Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 2 hours ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said: The Internet was bound to disrupt journalism particularly sports journalism which for example TBD crowd sources with free contributors. hobbyists will do for it for free and have access to most all the same video clips, tweets and stats. to get paid, one needs to do a much better job (be it entertaining, analytical or other) than the hacks of yore! I smell a poll coming—how much would you pay for continued access to TBD? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 I joined last spring, my renewal will be coming soon. IF as the article states the cost is $60 a year, I'll renew, but over $75 or so, then not so sure it's worth it for me. It's a much better value if you're looking for articles on other things besides just the Bills. I will say the articles are always well written and well detailed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over 29 years of fanhood Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 18 minutes ago, NoHuddleKelly12 said: I smell a poll coming—how much would you pay for continued access to TBD? I’d chip in for anything operational, however the value is the ability for anyone to ‘contribute’ without barriers (except some minor expectation of civility) Readers can decide. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big C Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 Investing in tech has taught me it's not about the revenue. It's about the subscribers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 I find it ironic that WaPo's website keeps freezing and bugging when you click on that link. Low-hanging fruit people!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoHuddleKelly12 Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 13 minutes ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said: I’d chip in for anything operational, however the value is the ability for anyone to ‘contribute’ without barriers (except some minor expectation of civility) Readers can decide. FWIW, I would too, for better or worse this site/community has become a part of my daily routine, and gives me more Bills content and faster than basically anything else. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Chandler's Hands Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 I'd pay up to $100 per year for The Athletic. Anything less than that is pure value. Content is generally quite high quality and I love that the writer's often reply to reader comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan4 Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 47 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said: I joined last spring, my renewal will be coming soon. IF as the article states the cost is $60 a year, I'll renew, but over $75 or so, then not so sure it's worth it for me. It's a much better value if you're looking for articles on other things besides just the Bills. I will say the articles are always well written and well detailed. Just FYI, when it comes time to renew you can send yourself a gift subscription that will save you 15-20% on the price of a 1 year subscription. It’s not as good a deal as what new subscribers can get, but it’s still better than paying full price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 3 hours ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said: I think one particular additional point is opinion pieces are passé. I think the average sports news consumer is more educated than ever and is looking for knowledge and analysis more than more opinions. Particularly when the opinions are nothing more than regurgitated takes you've heard over and over! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaos Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 4 hours ago, Limeaid said: This sounds very much like Amazon model who was unprofitable for a very long time. How so? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 1 hour ago, Rubes said: It's pretty fascinating that I haven't heard much negative about The Athletic since it started. I'm not a subscriber so I don't know, but I find that interesting. Same here. I do not subscribe, but I can't recall anything negative being said about it since it started. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Otreply Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 4 hours ago, blacklabel said: Hmm... they started out at $8 a month for a subscription and I don't think that lasted very long before they bumped it up to $11. The content is pretty good. Sometimes there's some filler, but guys like Joe B and Fairburn are on there, and Timmy Graham who I think is a solid writer that likes to troll sometimes. I dunno if I'd pay more than $11 a month though, so if they're looking for more revenue, hopefully it doesn't come in the form of charging subscribers more. Where else but the subscribers would money come from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 I pay for the WaPo to be "delivered" for the advertisements and with it I get the Digital edition I don't like to pay for what I can get for "free" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Long Beach Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 I also have a subscription and I love it. I'm mostly on for my Bills & Lakers ( I AM in L.A.) but it covers so much else that I can go read about some interesting story in some other sport or team. It's absolutely worth it to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QCity Posted March 3, 2020 Share Posted March 3, 2020 4 hours ago, Don Otreply said: Where else but the subscribers would money come from? Ads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Otreply Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 32 minutes ago, QCity said: Ads. If you have enough subscribers you can sell ad space, kind of a chicken or the egg deal, it’s a tough business model to keep healthy, being most folk don’t like to pay for media content nowadays, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notwoz Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 I subscribed to the Atlantic last fall, based on the orgasmic comments from subscribers here on TBD. I got it at a discount. Frankly, it's not worth it, even at the discounted price. I called today to cancel my subscription. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QCity Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 (edited) 23 minutes ago, Don Otreply said: If you have enough subscribers you can sell ad space, kind of a chicken or the egg deal, it’s a tough business model to keep healthy, being most folk don’t like to pay for media content nowadays, Traffic is not the issue, you can sell ads on any site regardless of the amount of pageviews it gets, and certainly not an issue for one that has ~1M subscribers. The problem is that people that pay for a subscription do not want to see ads. One approach is to sell ads on free content that paying customers would be blocked from viewing. Edited March 4, 2020 by QCity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blacklabel Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 7 hours ago, Don Otreply said: Where else but the subscribers would money come from? Uh... the bank? That monster that'll give you about tree fiddy? I know where you're coming from but if they would wanna increase the price for a subscription they'd have to offer some new features. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djp14150 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 Some thoughts.... im not an athletic subscriber 1. The issue in newspapers in general has changed. It’s not just the sports part of this. Sports being paid for because it’s a source of dports in a market. Network news has marginalized it so news paper has become source locally. 2. With some bscription droos and thus ad revenue drops, a newspaper has to cut things. This has actually been difficult on veteran reporters who can easily be rep,aced by a cheaper 25 yr old. In reporting there isn’t much needed in experience levrl or experiences gives you more in depth understanding of how things work like in investigative journalism. 3. I don’t know is athletic does this..by having reporters assigned to teams you might not have as much travel expenses. 4. Still the big issue is how safe are established reporters with 15-25 yrs experience. Does athletic in a few years lay them off for new faces who cost less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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