An Introduction to News Product Management

Book excerpt: Drawing on innovations in the business of journalism, this book offers a comprehensive guide to using the human-centred design methods of product management to serve readers and bolster digital success in news organizations. An Introduction to News Product Management sets out how “product thinking” should be used in news organizations and practiced in accordance with journalistic ethics and customs. Beginning by looking at the history and theory behind the profession, this book builds a foundational understanding of what product management is and why news is a unique product. In the second unit, the author discusses how the human-centred design philosophy of product management aligns with the mission and ethics of journalism, and how that influences the view of audiences and frames strategies. The third unit of the book focuses on the daily use of product management in news organizations, providing students with a guide to its use in researching, prioritizing, and building sustainable projects that deliver news to readers and viewers. Written in an accessible style, this book features input from industry experts and draws on global examples to provide practical guidance. This is an ideal text for advanced undergraduates and graduates studying entrepreneurial journalism, media innovation, and digital media economics, as well as media professionals keen to learn more about product management and human-centred design methods.