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Yesterday, the student technologists at CoPress (where I host the podcast) announced something that’s been several months in the making: A hosting solution with CMS for college media. #

This is an effort that takes a different approach from the dominant business model in college news hosting, that of College Publisher. Whereas College Publisher hosts web sites for “free” and generates income from selling national ads for premium placement across their network, the CoPress model is paid for through an upfront monthly fee, with the college media outlet selling its own advertising stock. #

And with the economy in dicey shape, college media need to get serious about generating more income from diverse sources like the web site. Some are doing more along these lines, but there’s a long way to go for most. #

If nothing else, putting the hosting of the web site into a budget as an expense might give colleges some incentive to push online ads where now they are likely neglected (the Daily Eastern News has no online ads at the moment, so I’m preaching to my own paper here). #

The fact that the hosting plan is offering a WordPress install means there’s a large number of people and technical support available out there to assist with problems (in addition to the CoPress team). The CoPress team can even help transition College Publisher archives into the WP format. #

I doubt the CoPress effort will pose a serious threat to College Publisher’s business right now, but it’s another option for college media to consider, and that’s always a good thing. #

I’ve been a proponent of this business model for a couple of years now, but it’s been a challenge putting together the pieces to offer this type of program. Now, it’s good to see this effort coming from committed journalism students. #

I hope some advisers come on board and offer support where needed. Miles Skorpen at Swarthmore is heading up the hosting part of CoPress, and he definitely knows his stuff. #

Others noting this announcement: #

Ryan Sholin: I’ve had a chance to talk, chat, and tweet with some of the students and recent graduates behind CoPress over the last few months, and I think they’re clearly the sharpest minds in online student media right now. #

Dan Riemold:  CoPress seems to be the future. It is determined to make student news sites that are student-friendly and UNIQUE to each and every outlet and campus. The results of its efforts of course are still pending but the (CoPress) team oozes passion, relevant experience, and new media sensibilities. #

Greg Linch (a CoPress leader): But, whereas our situation allowed us to make the move on our own, many school papers don’t have a server or the technical know-how to make such a move. Or, if you do, you can avoid a possible headache (particularly in transfering your College Publisher archives) with a little help from your friends. That’s where CoPress comes in – we can do all that. #

If you’re interested in a fuller explanation of CoPress, you can listen to this podcast interview I conducted with Kevin Koehler in October. #

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