Inauguration Boosts Newspapers, for a Day

Handout would violate journos' watchdog role

(NEWSER) - With the industry in dire straits, some in the journalism business want government help—but they’re not looking for a financial bailout, Reuters reports. “That is so clearly contrary to what our role is as a watchdog that it’s just not acceptable,” said a former newspaper editor. What publishers want are legal concessions: changes to antitrust laws, tax breaks, perhaps the ability to become non-profits. More»

Papers reveal 'great expectations' for America's next president

(NEWSER) - The world was watching as Barack Obama took the oath of office. A sampling of headlines from around the globe:

• National Post (Canada): The Ascension of Obama
• Guardian (UK): Magical Spell That Will Open a New Obama Era
• La Repubblica (Italy): America Celebrates Obama's Oath
• Der Tagesspiegel (Germany): The World Looks on Obama
• Primera Hora (Puerto Rico): Obama to the Rescue

Huge demand for special editions

(NEWSER) - Newspapers expect a multi-million-dollar windfall in extra sales to people who want a keepsake of Inauguration Day, and publishers are gearing up to make the most of it, Bloomberg reports. The Washington Post is jacking up its price to $2, and the New York Times, USA Today and other publications plan a variety of special editions. More»

Move will avoid layoffs in newsrooms: company

(NEWSER) - America's largest newspaper publisher will require most of its 31,000 employees to take an unpaid week off this quarter, the New York Times reports. Gannett owns 85 newspapers in the US—including USA Today—that, like much of the industry, are under serious financial duress. The company says the move could prevent future layoffs. Union workers can't legally be made to take off, but they are being asked to comply. More»

Corporate interests, internet advertising crippling industry

(NEWSER) - The media's troubles mean that "this country is in trouble," writes Dan Rather, and no academic study or think-tank report is going to save the industry. We need no less than a “nonpartisan, blue-ribbon” presidential commission “to address the perilous state of America’s news media,” and make recommendations as to how to fix it, he suggests in a Washington Post op-ed. More»