A May 13 article headed “Editors: Newspapers cost more, offer less” reported that “Nearly three-quarters of U.S. newspaper executives responding to a recent survey said their ability to inform readers has diminished with their steadily shrinking staffs. “
It goes on to say “Just over 70 percent of the participants said cutbacks have ‘somewhat affected’ or ‘greatly affected’ the quality of their newspapers’ coverage.”
WATCHDOG: This reflects the harsh economic times and the flight of readers to the Internet. Democracy depends upon a vital Fourth Estate. The current arrangement with its reliance on advertisers and paid circulation is no longer working. And no way has yet been found to fund adequate investigatory and comprehensive reporting on the Internet. This is worrisome.
