Losing perspective
The fate of daily newspapers is a hot topic these days. The venerable Seattle Post Intelligencer recently changed to an online format and eliminated many jobs after 145 years in business. Denver recently lost the Rocky Mountain News, leaving it with one daily newspaper.
The demise of newspapers doesn’t mean we won’t have news. We will still have plenty.
What many communities will lose is perspective.
In general, newspapers have far more institutional and community knowledge than other media. Their reporting ranks are often more senior and don’t turn over as fast as broadcast media. Editors who have worked their way up from cub reporter understand the importance of reputable sources and researching all angles.
Most importantly, newspapers provide depth. A television station or blog may break a story these days, but newspapers provide the depth of reporting and content. Let’s hope someone else decides to assume that mantle.
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