Almost every major news outlet now invests in buying search keywords through online auctions, according to the Wall Street Journal. The practice has received renewed attention in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, with search terms like "Virginia Tech shooting" and "Virginia Tech massacre" climbing to a cost of $5 per click before settling in at less than 10 cents per click the week after. The Journal also reports that some news organizations are buying search keywords to highlight features on their sites that produce more revenue, like video.

Continue ReadingSEM Costs Explode for Newspapers

CM Media Inc. is expected to be sold to Dallas-based American Community Newspapers LLC today, according to Business First. CM founder Max Brown reportedly informed employees of the sale yesterday afternoon with a letter. In addition to owning The Other Paper, CM owns over 20 other publications and a printing facility. American Community Newspapers currently publishes 64 newspapers across the country, according to Business First.

Continue ReadingThe Other Paper’s Parent Company Reportedly Sold

"Latino journalists unfortunately fall quickly to the lure of the supposed glory of a daily byline," reasons OC Weekly reporter and ¡Ask a Mexican! columnist Gustavo Arellano. He tells the Rocky Mountain Chronicle that many Latinos stay away from alt-weeklies' low pay and often controversial positions and opt for "the security of a daily." Even so, he says there are "very, very few Latino journalists in mainstream media." In the sprawling Q&A with Vanessa Martinez, Arellano also touches on his forthcoming ¡Ask a Mexican! book, right-wing talk radio, and getting kicked off MySpace.

Continue ReadingWhy Aren’t More Latinos Working at Alt-Weeklies?