I think the biggest change the paper press needs to grapple with is that credibility has changed. It used to be authoritative stance and “stop the presses” editorial oversight. Now, credibility is expressed as frequent, conversational engagement with the audience. Journalism can still stake out authority by offering frontline news discovery (which on-the-ground media can do well) plus perspective and analysis.

Lately you read so many comments by print journalists lulled into complacency by the idea that anybody can write a blog and regurgitate content coated with a glaze of attitude. But, they fail to recognize that there’s value (and an audience and a market) to be found in doing that well: Write well and frequently (responding to feedback), regurgitate relevant content (effectively and with attribution), and do it with attitude (e.g. with entertaining, insightful perspective).

Bottom-line: Journalists should take heart (but not get cocky) that few bloggers in their underwear can beat pros at that game, if only they’d join and play the new game.