Jackson Free Press

Recent bad news among newsprint papers such as the Clarion Ledger (see postings here) and today's announcement of the Tribune Company's bankruptcy filing underscore a tectonic shift in the viability of daily newspapers. But, these shifts are part of a larger concern about the press frequently called the fourth branch.

What are we to make of newspapers growing demise? I think psychology may have some answers. Our modern culture has become addicted to speed. We barely have time - or the patience - to sit down and read a newspaper - much less everyday and every article. The internet has helped to fuel our speed addiction with blogs - like these - and other outlets that quickly disseminate information at the touch of a button and scroll of the mouse.

As our culture and our psyche are quickly (pun intended) moving newspapers out of our living room and making way for flat screens and lap tops, what will become of journalism? Moreover, how can the written word - with its depth and probity - be preserved so as not to produce news consumers that are fed the musings of Sean Hannity on Fox or Lou Dobbs on CNN?

Should journalism fight the good fight or is their light already extinguished? What lies ahead for our fourth branch is critical to our democracy.

Previous Comments

ID

142113

Comment

Journalism is in big trouble. I like reading newspapers when I have time, especially the weekends and nights. Unfortunately, the Detroit Lions have a better chance of winning than newspapers.

Author

Walt

Date

2008-12-08T16:00:56-06:00

ID

142117

Comment

Some people say we can't afford for the Big 3 to go under. I think they're right. If newspapers that are of marginal quality that publish trash like Ann Coulter's nonsense go under I don't know where I'll get news except TV, Jxn Free P and the Internet. I believe free markets can sometimes exrcise their invisible hands and produce the best outcome. In Free Markets do we not trust?

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-12-08T16:42:41-06:00

ID

142127

Comment

I hope the industry finds a way to make print media viable. If not, I'll have to find something else to line my sink with when I shave.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2008-12-08T17:52:39-06:00

ID

142130

Comment

people come up with bright ideas all the time; there needs to be some new idea about how to make the newsPAPER industry profitable. one handicap though: televised news breaks news faster - by the nature of the media - and so people think they have it all; also watching tv is easier than reading. hmm. what to do?

Author

John Sawyer

Date

2008-12-08T20:59:10-06:00

ID

142133

Comment

What's next? A bailout for newspapers? This is an evolution of the market. Journalism is not out of style. The news printed on paper is going out of style. Why should I buy a newspaper when I can get the news right now with a few clicks of a mouse or pretty soon on my new iphone when I get that? Businesses that don't anticipate consumer demand wither and that is what you are seeing in these stories. If I was in charge of one of these companies I would start off by making the actual paper itself free and only charge for delivery to your home. Then an advertising campaign to tout the value of the news gathering prowess of my staff. The product of a newspaper is Journalism. That's what people want when they pick up the paper or go to the website for news. They want reporting that's timely and accurate and to know what's going on. That hasn't changed. We just have a lot more choices about where to get that information these days. Who is in a better position to do in depth reporting on local and regional issues than the news staff of the local daily papers? But the delivery system is changing and they need to get on board or fall by the wayside. It's a bit telling that these people, who are supposed to have their fingers on the pulse of society didn't see this coming.

Author

WMartin

Date

2008-12-09T08:56:05-06:00

ID

142136

Comment

sawyer wrote ... I love reading --- those CNN tickers. The words are just not big enough. Don't hate TV readers. Just put the newspaper on TV with large font so you can see it easily on a 32 inch or larger and the problem will be solved. I might pay for it when I pay for my regular cable package.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-12-09T09:54:53-06:00