The local print press is doomed, and if executives are not telling their employees as much, they’re lying by omission. (See, from Clay Skirky: Last Call: The end of the printed newspaper.)
So how did those who had so much come to so little?
There are many causes, but I’ll highlight just a few. Here’s how to ruin a newspaper in three easy steps:
1. Establish an editorial policy that favors insiders, cronies, and powerful instutions.
2. Hire poor writers, and make sure that they tell only half the story (see, Item 1).
3. Let insiders see your stories in advance, so they feel comfortable with what you’re writing.
Mission accomplished.
The local papers, especially the Gazette, have become just delivery modes for advertisers: inserts, ads, etc. The Daily Union attempts local news; the Register is outdated news. Actually, probably the most read local papers are low or non-editorial: Good Morning, Daily Union Extra, and Wednesday and Sunday Shoppers. But the latter two are Gazette/Bliss publications, so their inane political bias is evident…if you read it. I think most readers pullout the Target, Walgreens sections to read and shop…and toss the rest….
Very much in agreement – the insert is the last (likely futile) line of defense.