[bloggeratti]

Quote:
Originally Posted by cinoman
so what, exactly is the problem with ktn/standard? i hear a lot of whining, but not actual problems? i'm not attacking, i'm just curious to know from akina 74. Your input please.

KTN is an intruiging phenomenon in the media industry.

As far as corporate culture goes, it has one of the most conducive environments for nurturing talented media personnel - and a source for raiding employees for Nation, Citizen, et al.

At one point in the late 90's-early 2000's, standard was so badly off that it used to buy paper from Nation because it couldn't afford the minimum quantity set by suppliers. But through innovation and creativity, it overcame its financial handicaps.

Between them, Nation and Standard have the publishing market sewn up tight - from publishing to distribution. They are a guargantan duopoly. The only individual whose challenged them and lived to tell the story is Nairobi Star's Patrick Quarco.

The Standard Group's market-sensitive executives noticed the euphoria, the numbers, the loyal supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement and skewed its reporting to lean more on that side. From the heady days of the referendum, their objectivity has been all but non-existent.

Despite this, sounding the death knell on the Standard is foolhardy. Contrary to that, it will thrive. Remember, the standard was the first paper to introduce a daily magazine pullout (Crazy Monday, Financial Standard, Inspiration, Pulse etc). The copycat that is Nation soon followed suit. This kind of creative innovation will always ensure that the Standard Group is ahead of its game.

Standard has been around for over 100 years old - and like fine wine, it seems to grow better (and stronger) with age!