Why?

Its pretty easy to note that the last thing the newspaper industry needs is yet another naysayer. I don't wish to be one, but its also very clear that the industry is in serious trouble. My purpose here goes beyond standard observations about the prevalence of the Internet, the emergence of craigslist and the tactical problems they face and dive into the deeper reasons for the issues and offer some constructive solutions.

Two famous quotes sum up why I want to use this forum. I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more. And. The World won't Listen.

More on those two quotes.

The first is pretty apparent. I do believe in the power of the medium, and deeply want to see it continue. My frustration at watching the dinosaurs attempt to dance has finally reached the breaking point.

The depth of the second would only be apparent to an insider, so I'll explain. Most local media companies are run by patriarchs with little real oversight. The CEO's usually have a protected class of shares that give them complete control of the business, and most are the second or third generation to have owned the company/newspaper. They too believe in the power of the medium, but they are also more or less immune to criticism. In fact, they tend to reward sycophancy over critical thought. They only want to hear the good news. Certainly the new owners such as Zell and Tierney are trying to change this culture, but their entire organizations are full of yes people that are used to complete deference to their leadership. The first step in any twelve step program is acknowledging the problem.

I do work for a major local media company. I'd love to see my company be the one that figures out the answer to the problem, but I no longer care if they are the one. I just want to see one company make the right decisions, because I know the rest of the industry will quickly imitate.

Please feel free to comment on any ideas presented here. I also may be reached at shortbusinc@gmail.com for personal comments.