Newspapers or Newsnets?

The increasing number of layoffs in the journalism industry have brought its future into question. More and more people are relying on the internet to attain information and still more are canceling their subscriptions to local newspapers. As the number of paperboys dwindles and seasoned reporters begin cleaning out their desks, we begin to wonder what the industry will resemble in ten years.

The degeneration of newspapers as we know them is, in itself, a devastating event. For decades now, reporters have been collectors of information, committing all their energy to a story but never crossing the line of journalistic discretion. As John Carroll, who made a speech entitled "The Future (We Hope) of Journalism," believes, it was the newspapers' ethical convictions which kept them from reporting sensitive and even damaging material. Now, with tabloids and paparrazi and people blogging (ahem) their opinions no matter how untrue they may be, the line between discretion and a good story has blurred. Instead of fact, so-called news centers relying on gossip to sell - and write - a story. Indifferent to the effect on their subjects, these writers have ruined the lives of countless celebrities, political heads, and average citizens.

However, those who believe that the internet is the way of the future may be correct. Already, a version of most newspapers can be found online. Who would pay for a physical copy of what they can find for free online? With these options, it's obvious why the newspapers are floundering. If they want to succeed, they should require a paid subsciption to their online tools as well. The readers who appreciate legitimate and ethical newspapers will pay for this service and the choice will not have to be made between money and morals.