Taxpayer funds training traditional media in online techniques

A newspaper group in Minnesota is using grant money to re-train its staff for the internet age.

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Two Minnesota newspapers will receive a share of state grants normally given to retrain workers in manufacturing and other industries in transition.
The Duluth News Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press will work with the University of Minnesota’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication to help staff adapt to an increasingly Internet-based industry.
Minnesota Job Skills Partnership is awarding $238,000 in state funds, while the newspapers and the university will contribute about $469,000 combined, mostly by devoting staff time to training.

I don’t know about any other agencies who offer training, but I think I can hear our sales team drooling from across the building as we speak.

In one sense, I’m thrilled to see traditional media starting to come around to what must be done in order to survive. On the other, if I’m a Minnesotan I’m torn between being happy to see tax money going to help keep these jobs around but a little iffy on seeing this go to what is in essence a failing business model when the state has a $5.2 billion budget shortfall.

One way or another it’s good for the online industry as a whole; moves like this may finally spur on more formalized training and recognized programs for the masses in online disciplines, which is sorely needed. In the meantime, those who are already in his business stand to make a lot of money – especially if there’s $787 billion more where this came from!

Mom says there are no posts that are like me. I am unique.

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