What is the Future of Newspapers?
I wonder about the future of newspapers and news reporting.
Here is a weekend article on the St. Petersburg Times (that includes a mention of the Anniston Star). Because the Times is owned by a non-profit organization, it does not have the pressure to maintain profit margins as large as other newspapers. Still, circulation is declining, and it has lost about 8% of its newroom staff since January.
Are newspapers making enough money off their websites to soldier on with declining circulation? What’s the sustainable model of in-depth news reporting?
I grew up reading the Huntsville Times every day. No more. I only subscribe to the weekend papers now. My parents and siblings have flat-out cancelled their subscriptions. Many people I know have cancelled their subscriptions. Why? Because of the Lefty crap that stinks up every section of the paper.
Thankfully people have news options beyond the MSM.
IIRC, the St. Petersburg Times is on O’Reilly’s list of bad papers (”scum”) for their editorial position during the Jessica Lunsford rape / murder case. I wonder if that issue hurt their sales.
Comment by Reactionary — October 15, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
Newspapers can hinder a city’s progress. Look at Birmingham and their so called newspaper, which obviously has a declining circulation also. Hopefully someday Birmingham will have a real newspaper and the Birmingham News will be where it rightfully belongs, out of business.
Comment by Anonymous — October 15, 2007 @ 1:02 pm
The best model seems to be one where financial goals are modest and everyone remembers a newspaper reports news.
I buy the local paper here because in a few pages, I know what happened in the courts, the various public meetings, who got busted, whose house was burgled, who is hiring, who is not, and all the other things that really matter. Not bad for 50 cents. Couldn’t learn that thru their web page or would I pay 50 cents a day to read it off their webpage. Have a new puppy and she needs to learn to read.
Comment by walt moffett — October 15, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
“The best model seems to be one where financial goals are modest and everyone remembers a newspaper reports news.” -walt moffett
Strong public service is a defining characteristic of The Birmingham News. Everyday they tell stories of good and evil and victory and gross ineptitude. It reflects who we are by telling us about each other. The Birmingham News reporters show guts and stay the course. The reporting is straight forward and effective.
Comment by Pookie — October 15, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
I remember several yeasr ago when the McWane Corp. legal problems were front page news in several major newspapers across the country and in Canada, yet the Birmingham News barely covered it. It looks like Drummond Co. is getting the same treatment. The Birmingham News did cover the two year college scandals, but nobody involved in that was part of the Mountain Brook elite that rubs elbows with the powers that be at the Birmingham News.
Comment by Anonymous — October 15, 2007 @ 11:23 pm