Quantum Spin

Well, due to some spammer having found this obscure blog, I have been forced to refuse Anonymous posts. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause for legitimate posters, but since I am unable to send feedback to the offending servers causing them to explode and burst into flames - well, I do what I can. Thank you to all my sincere commentators and may the spammers rot in digital agony.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Let Them Compete Or Sink

Newspapers are finding themselves faltering in a world where electronic news is far preferable; where headlines can be read within minutes of a newsworthy event, rather than being forced to wait until the next morning.

Some newspapers are adapting by dropping their print editions and going 100% online. They see what they need to do to compete and do it.

So, what does the US government do, instead of letting the market dictate their fate?

U.S. bill seeks to rescue faltering newspapers

Tue Mar 24, 20093:05pm EDT

By Thomas Ferraro

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With many U.S. newspapers struggling to survive, a Democratic senator on Tuesday introduced a bill to help them by allowing newspaper companies to restructure as nonprofits with a variety of tax
breaks.

"This may not be the optimal choice for some major newspapers or corporate media chains but it should be an option for many newspapers that are struggling to stay afloat," said Senator Benjamin Cardin.


Well, Senator Cardin, you're not doing enough! Where's your bill to rescue Town Criers? When will you address the plight of the buggy whip industry? The daguerreotype companies need your help, Senator; why don't you aid them?

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1 Comments:

Blogger Allan Poindexter said...

It isn't clear to me what prevents them from converting into a nonprofit under the current law. It sounds like the major difference would be to remove some of the restrictions against reporting politics but still retain the restriction against actually backing candidates. If that is all it is then I can support it. Those restrictions aren't constitutional anyway. I would need to know more about what this bill says though to be certain.

There are plenty of nonprofits that publish newsletters or publications for subscription. National Geographic, Consumer Reports, and Reason come to mind just off the top of my head. The mere fact of being a nonprofit does not necessarily mean one does not compete.

5:21 PM  

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