FAILURES FROM EDITORIAL INNOVATIONS

Editorial innovations are new ways of creating, delivering and monetizing content that
serve the needs and interests of audiences and media organizations. These innovations can
involve changes in formats, platforms, styles, workflows, business models or editorial policies.
Globally, there is a shift toward facilitating innovation by creating new or remodeling old digital
and other infrastructures to keep pace with fast-changing societal needs, particularly in
delivering news, health services and entertainment. In order to discuss and analyze this subject,
there has to be done research regarding what editorial innovations succeeded and which ones
failed and to determine what caused these responses. Thinking for a minute about it, you can
pinpoint some of the very obvious answers to obtain a thorough investigation.

One of the main reasons why media innovations fail is the lack of market fit. Market fit
refers to the degree to which a media product or service meets the needs and preferences of its
target audience. A media innovation that does not fit the market may fail to attract or retain
enough users, customers, advertisers, or partners, resulting in low revenue, high costs, or
negative feedback. For example, Google Glass was a wearable device that allowed users to
access information and communicate through a small screen attached to their glasses. However,
Google Glass failed to gain widespread adoption because it was too expensive, too intrusive, too
complicated, and too socially awkward for most users. Google Glass did not fit the market needs
or expectations of its potential customers.

Another reason why media innovations fail is the absence of competitive advantage.
Competitive advantage refers to the ability of a media product or service to offer superior value
or performance compared to its rivals in the market. A media innovation that does not have a
competitive advantage may fail to differentiate itself from other existing or emerging
alternatives, resulting in low customer loyalty, high price sensitivity, or low barriers to entry. For
example, Quibi was a streaming service that offered short-form videos designed for mobile
viewing. However, Quibi failed to compete with other streaming platforms such as Netflix,
YouTube, or TikTok, because it did not offer any distinctive content, features, or benefits that
could justify its subscription fee or attract its target audience.
 A third reason why media innovations fail is the lack of scalability. Scalability refers to
the ability of a media product or service to grow and expand its operations and impact without
compromising its quality or efficiency. A media innovation that is not scalable may fail to cope
with increasing demand, complexity, or competition, resulting in poor performance, customer
dissatisfaction, operational challenges, or strategic limitations. For example, Patch was a network
of hyperlocal news websites that aimed to provide community-based journalism and advertising.
However, Patch failed to scale its business model because it relied on a large number of local
editors and reporters who were costly and difficult to manage and supervise. Patch also faced
competition from other local media outlets and social media platforms that offered similar or
better services.

Regarding the successful editorial innovations, the most known are: BBC News Lab,
Axios, Editorial Design and Pop-up Newsletters and Live Blogs.

BBC News Labs succeeded by combining technology and editorial judgment to provide
value to diverse audiences. Their focus was on creating valuable digital news experiences rather
than just pioneering monolithic distribution channels. They facilitated communication about
editorial, technological, and process innovations within the BBC and also connected with the
news industry and academia. This approach helped them gain visibility by developing
experiences that resonated with their audience and met the changing needs of the digital media
ecosystem.

Axios achieved success by prioritizing the efficient consumption of news and recognizing
the audience's demand for concise yet comprehensive coverage. They capitalized on their HTTP
client library's capabilities, including user-friendly defaults for working with JSON data, HTTP
method-matching function names, improved error handling, and usability on both server and
client platforms. This strategy earned Axios a strong following among developers and helped it
make a name for itself in the market.

Axios also focused on improving the delivery and consumption of content in response to
evolving audience needs and interests. Its editorial design approach emphasized understanding
both the brand and the audience, resulting in unique and tailored designs that resonated with
readers and met their expectations. Additionally, Axios provided short-term, high-quality content
on niche topics or events, which appealed to both publishers and audiences. This approach
served as a testing ground for new content and drew in new audiences, with the company's
ability to engage readers, provide valuable insights, and stand out among numerous editorials
driving its visibility and success.

The art of Editorial Design is rooted in the ability to visually capture and convey a story.
By prioritizing the enhancement of content delivery and consumption, this practice has adapted
to the ever-changing preferences and interests of its readers. The secret to its triumph lies in its
comprehensive comprehension of both the brand and its audience, which allows for the creation
of a personalized and exceptional design. By taking into account both branding and audience,
Editorial Design has been able to connect with readers and exceed their expectations, resulting in
increased visibility and success.

The advent of Pop-up Newsletters and Live Blogs proved to be a triumph in the realm of
informative content. Offering a brief yet high-caliber glimpse into specific topics or events, these
platforms garnered significant interest from publishers and audiences alike. Moreover, they
served as an ideal platform for testing new content while attracting a fresh audience. The secret
to their visibility lay in their ability to captivate readers, providing them with valuable insights
that stood out from the crowd of editorials.

As such, it is imperative to consider all of the variables that impact the effectiveness of
editorial innovations, from technical and editorial balance, to commercial considerations and
quality assurance. By doing so, we can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the
field of editorial innovation and provide readers with unique and compelling content that meets
their needs.

Sources:

1. Horbach, S.P.J.M., Halffman, W. Innovating editorial practices: academic publishers at

work. Res Integr Peer Rev 5, 11 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41073-020-00097-w

2. Alice Y. Kolb and David A. Kolb, 2005: Learning Styles and Learning Spaces:
Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. AMLE, 4, 193–212,
https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2005.17268566
3. Lattacher, W. and Wdowiak, M.A. (2020), "Entrepreneurial learning from failure. A
systematic review", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol.
26 No. 5, pp. 1093-1131. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-02-2019-0085

4. https://bbcnewslabs.co.uk/news/2019/editorial-innovation/