|
|
|
Kevin,
Until a few months ago I was a life-long subscriber to The Times. Even when I lived out of Southern California, I kept up my subscription. And when I came back to L.A. and was experiencing a period when I had to be a lot more frugal than is currently the case, I kept up the subscription. And even as the coverage started to go downhill, as the paper became thinner, as in-depth reporting became more and more rare, as investigative reporting to a large extent became a casualty of the Chicago-driven management, I kept up my subscription.
Because The Times was an integral part of my daily life: it was THE place where I could get real news, written by top-notch reporters; it was the entity which I looked to to help me understand what was happening in the city, particularly in terms of local issues and local politics; it was the main vehicle for the public to be able to have eyes and ears watching out for the "public good" and fulfilling its role as part of the "Fourth Estate."
Finally, though, earlier this year, I had had enough. The paper had gone downhill so much that I pulled back to a Sunday-only subscription. This was a big decision for me -- a news junkie, someone with many friends (both past and current) at The Times and to whom I felt a sense of loyalty that had kept me from not wanting to disrespect them in any fashion. But, enough was enough, so I took the big step. No more daily LAT. Yes, I would continue to look at the web site, but would focus on finding most of my local news coverage elsewhere. While also continuing to hope for a turnaround that would be of benefit to all parties: the public, the reporters, the owners.
At that point, I thought things had gone downhill so much that the situation could only improve, not worsen. Clearly, I was wrong. What is happening now is the ultimate insult. It is an insult to the hard-working reporters at the paper and an insult to the public that a paper of this size and (former?) prestige is supposed to serve. Less news, with fewer experienced reporters; more focus on "get it done quickly" and "get it done cheaply" than on any kind of substance; more focus on Hollywood and so-called "celebrity journalism"... And this is how they propose to help turn things around: a newspaper that provides less news? And that this will somehow bring in more readers and more advertisers and thus make more money? Huh!? Duh???
How very sad. How very disappointing.
Emma Schafer
Los Angeles Current Affairs Forum
Effective business articles that will improve your business.
In a world where businesses are constantly seeking efficiency and sustainability, the shift towards digital document management has become more than a trend—it’s a necessity. At the heart of this … Read More
Picture guiding a vessel through unpredictable waters, where unforeseen storms can upheave even the best-laid plans. Leading a professional association mirrors this scenario closely. With the shifting sands of member … Read More
In the digital age, where attention is fragmented and competition for visibility is fierce, targeted engagement has emerged as a critical strategy for businesses aiming to connect meaningfully with their … Read More
In today’s competitive landscape, a company’s success hinges on the collective effort of its workforce. Even the most brilliant ideas and meticulously crafted plans can falter without a team that … Read More
In today’s fast-paced software development landscape, efficiency is paramount. Every minute counts, and any tool that can streamline processes and workflows becomes invaluable. Jira, a widely utilized project management tool, … Read More
Stakes in the building or construction industry are high. Constructing buildings and homes is costly and safety matters are important. Most customers are cautious and involved in the process, potentially … Read More
In the bustling heart of New York City, Sarah, a young entrepreneur, taps her phone to complete a transaction that, just a decade ago, would have required a time-consuming visit … Read More
Introduction The Artificial Intelligence dawn is transforming how people work and businesses operate. It is opening up a world of challenges and possibilities, making it a game changer for entrepreneurs … Read More
After getting the formula for your beverage manufacturing, the next important thing to consider is its packaging. Businesses must select a fitting package for their products to offer quality products … Read More
German billionaire Michael Gastauer has carved a path in the world of financial technology, particularly through his brainchild, Black Banx. Founded in 2014, Black Banx has rapidly evolved into a … Read More
