Latest outsourcing trend: Web site taps India to cover local news

[OhioChick]

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Some question business model, but owner says he'll maintain accuracy despite distance.
The Associated Press

PASADENA -- The job posting was a head-scratcher: "We seek a newspaper journalist based in India to report on the city government and political scene of Pasadena, California, USA."

A reporter half a world away covering local street light contracts and sewer repairs? A reporter who's never gotten closer to Pasadena than the telecast of the Rose Bowl parade?

Outsourcing first claimed manufacturing jobs, then hit services from airline reservations to tax preparation. Now comes the next frontier: A cost-saving gamble to separate work built on shaking hands, walking the streets and knowing local subtleties – on being there – from the place where it all happens.

With video of weekly City Council meetings streaming online, why not, says the editor-publisher of the 2-year-old Web site pasadenanow.com.

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/state/article_1691686.php

[firefox_fan]

1. So, when will India start outsourcing jobs to the US?

Seriously... For instance, remote English teaching, just to start.

[Bozita]

2. Wonderin' if this'll wake up the MSM. Betting it doesn't.

It's the corporate control and the unquenchable thirst for ever-increasing profits.

Hello, MSM!

[NYC]

3. If the news is wrong, who will know?

There will be no competing sources of information.

[EVDebs]

4. Gives new meaning to the old CBS 'You Are There' show nt

[Joe Bacon]

5. Can't wait for Broder and Friedman to get outsourced!

They deserve it! :evilgrin: