‘Can Somebody Cover That War for Us?’ As Reporter Networks Fragment, Startup Seeks to Fill Worldwide Gap

Justin Varilek’s formal pitch would seem unassailable.

“Editors Are Losing Their Networks,” declares his de facto prospectus for an online venture called HackPack that debuts Wednesday.

“Problem: 51% drop in newspaper revenues in the past 15 years has led to loss of staff and global networks.”So there’s Option 1: Provide original coverage with diminished resources. Option 2: End such coverage. Option 3: Get investors to expand your existing global network, as have the likes of VICE, BuzzFeed and Politico.