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Risky Business: John Harris, Jim VandeHei, and Politico Part A

Abstract

CSJ-09-0021.0 These two stand-alone cases examine separate aspects of the hybrid print/online political news outlet Politico . In Part A, students are taken behind the scenes and into the minds of two journalism entrepreneurs. In November 2006, John Harris and Jim VandeHei chose to leave the relative security of top reporting jobs at the Washington Post in order to start a new publication, Politico . While they were fortunate to secure financing, that promise came with an obligation to produce a paper product in addition to their envisioned online political news. As the two reporters scrambled in a scant two months to find staff for their publications while gearing up for a new business, they discovered numerous areas where their expertise was thin: legal, human resources, technology, and marketing. They had to persuade luminaries of the political reporting world to leave secure jobs and sign on with their start-up. They also had to coordinate production of the website with the newspaper. As the launch date approached in late January 2007, the two wondered whether they had made a wise decision in going out on this entrepreneurial limb.

Students can debate the pros and cons of leaving mainstream journalism outlets to start new operations. Harris especially had a long and distinguished career at the Post , close friends, and the promise of an exciting election-period assignment. The class should also consider what strings may accompany funding—and whether it is always wise to accept outside conditions. Finally, they should contrast the experience of a fine reporter with the expertise required to run a small business, and discuss whether journalists make good entrepreneurs or whether there should always be a businessperson on the leadership team.

This case can be used by itself, or in combination with Part B: A Winning Model.

The case is suitable for classes about the business of journalism; about editorial decisionmaking; or about digital media.

This case has a Teaching Note, visible to faculty after they register.
Credits

This case was written by Kathleen Gilsinan for the Knight Case Studies Initiative, Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University. The faculty sponsor was Dean of Academic Affairs William Grueskin. Funding was provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. (1109)

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