As a former reporter, editorial writer and city editor, I love newspapers. We still subscribe to The Columbian’s print edition. That said, I would warn The Columbian and others who think a government subsidy of newspapers is a good idea to be careful for what they wish (“This bill would help local media,” The Columbian, Jan. 25).
Newspapers, long the backbone of local media, are suffering hard times due to the proliferation of news and opinions afforded by the internet. I’m an undying supporter. Without reporters attending council meetings, court hearings, school board meetings, etc., our community would be left in the dark. That said, asking government for a bailout is a tempting but bad idea.
With government money comes government strings. Inevitably. Once dependent on this income, newspapers will be a bit loath to cross the hand that feeds them. Disappointing to this ink-stained wretch that newspapers, of all institutions, would be begging government for a handout. Oh, the irony of government watchdogs lapping up government kibbles.
Better that newspapers follow The Columbian’s model and accept private, no-strings donations to supplant lost advertising revenue.
Stay independent, newspapers.
