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Financial Troubles Force Newspapers to Experiment

Kent State University Media Analyst Lauren Rich fine says it's unlikely newspapers will disappear altogether, but the outlook for the print media model is dire.

Fine: "I've never seen these types of revenue declines. On average, revenues are down 15 to 20 percent, depending on what part of the country you are operating in."

Fine says the migration of auto, home and advertising revenue to the web has caused newspapers to experiment. The Detroit Free Press and Detroit News today announced cutbacks in home delivery. Others are sharing content and reducing the use of syndicated copy.

Robert, a caller from Brecksville, said that's exactly why he cancelled his newspaper subscription.

Robert: "If you want to pick up a paper and read a Tom Friedman or a David Brooks or a world-class columnist, you may get that on Sunday, but you're not going to get it through the week anymore."

Former Plain Dealer Reporter and Journalism Professor Ted Gup said struggling media companies can also lose the ability to hold the powerful accountable in government and business.

GUP: "What happens is you get scandals. You don't catch things early because people know that they're not being monitored."

Gup said as newspapers continue to cut reporters to save money, the highest paid and most experienced reporters will leave the newsroom, and possibly leave journalism.

Kymberli Hagelberg, 90.3

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