1. Q Media Labs Can media producers adapt and lead, or will they disappear as we move out of journalism’s Ice Age?

2. Q Media Labs Any media organization that wants to survive must address four issues: www.themediaconsortium.org/thebigthaw

3. Q Media Labs New & Emerging Realities This chart pinpoints key industry changes that are shaping tomorrow’s media.

4. Q Media Labs writing/ producing publishing & broadcasting distributing Content owners Paid marketing, sales & fundraising staff Paid suppliers consumption Subscription Single-pay Public radio/TV Granted broadcast licenses Nonprofits granted tax breaks selling other products philanthropy or government creative agencies advertiser media planning & buying Journalism’s Old Value Chain This chain is delineated with clear roles and exchanges of value. Each link in the blue value chain represents a role that a media organization might play. Green represents funds or subsidy support

5. Q Media Labs But the value chain has changed. What role do we play in the value chain now? How could our role become most valuable to our communities? Is it best to focus primarily on one role or integrate many roles at once?

6. Q Media Labs Each link in the blue value chain represents a role that a media organization might play Source: compiled from interviews. The new value chain is a working model based on observed industry dynamics. combining & sharing writing/ producing retrieving & storing content publishing Search Discovery Cloud Computing E-readers connecting Community Conversational marketing In-person events making impact Social change Policy change distributing/aggreg ating Offline & online Convergence (cross platforms & devices) Content owners Increasingly includes “Journalpreneurs” Content owners consumption Subscription & Single-pay Micropayments selling other products philanthropy or government advertising volunteer & open-source labor New value chain (working model) Green represents funds or subsidy support

7. Q Media Labs II I IV III Big Thaw Recommendations: Four Decisive Moves CHANGE INTERNALLY New models will most likely come from new players. INCREASE EXPERIMENTATION Greater Experimentation will win. LEVERAGE UNIQUE ROLE OF CONSORITUM Standing together will be more valuable than working alone. BUILDING AUDIENCES AS COMMUNITIES Decentralized communities will create the greatest impact. Changing internally Increasing experimentation Building audiences as communities Leveraging unique role of a consortium

8. Q Media Labs The Media Consortium is a network of the country’s leading, progressive, independent media outlets. Our mission is to amplify independent media’s voice, increase our collective clout, leverage our current audience and reach new ones. We believe it is possible and necessary to seize the current moment and change the debate in this country. Download or purchase your copy of this study at: www.themediaconsortium.org/thebigthaw