Can local survive on charity alone? Bob Pickard on why new journalism enterprises require 18-36 months

Many journalists pursuing new online initiatives are learning that good intentions are not enough for providing news.

That's the conclusion of Bob Pickard who writes that

The conundrum facing many journalists is whether to pursue the noble work of journalism as unpaid charitable work or to become engaged as journalistic entrepreneurs with a serious attitude toward its business issues—something many despised in their former employers.

Interesting he adds that One of the most difficult issue for these new journalism providers—is that journalists tend to overestimate the value of news for the public.The public actually want according to Pickard,less and not more news

It is not that the public doesn’t want to be informed, however. It is just that journalists spend so much time, space, and effort conveying commodity news that provides little new and helpful information for readers and cannot generate sufficient financial support.

and interesting he believes that

Most new commercial and noncommercial enterprises require 18 to 36 months of operation before they develop a loyal audience and achieve a stable financial situation.