CN

If 'Real Journalism' Fails As A Business, Should Government Step In?

As a publisher of a small community newspaper I disagree with many of your comments about the state of our industry but agree with your conclusion. Newspapers have been supported since their inception by advertising dollars. Craig's list may have an impact on some classified categories but it certainly can't take the credit for any significant change in our profit picture. Largely changes in newspaper advertising have been affected by changes in the retail industry. The number of small to mid-size retailers, traditionally strong advertisers, have been greatly diminished and replaced with fewer mega-stores and on-line businesses. This is a response to consumers who want the lowest prices everday and the largest possible selection - a concept that fit into their busy lifestyle more effectively than comparing sale prices in newspaper ads and driving from store to store. Traditional newspaper companies are reacting to the changes in the marketplace and diversifying their offerings to the information consumer. Whether it be through hyper-local print products, magazines or a variety of on-line offerings, the industry is merely going through the same pains that come with any major societal shift. There will always be a place for a free press unfettered by government control.