Florida newspapers continue decline - now what?
10/26/2010
While it may be satisfying for some to watch the decline of newspapers, the fact that is often lost is that the decreases in circulation/revenue means fewer reporters on the streets.
With the latest numbers it is clear that the continuing loss of circulation means their are likely to be still fewer reporters and editors at the end of this year.
Many cities in Florida now never see a reporter. That's not good for the taxpayers in those cities. Coverage of courts, schools and county governments also is declining because of the lack of reporters.
Another concern - with so few people reading a daily newspaper, where are they getting news about local and state govenments and schools?
Sorry, MSNBC and FOX and not covering your local town hall.
Here's the grim news as reported by The St. Petersburg Times - the only newspaper without huge losses over the last six months.
Florida Newspapers
| Newspaper | Daily (Change)* | Sunday (Change) |
| St. Petersburg Times | 239,684 (-0.2%) | 377,235 (+2%) |
| Orlando Sentinel | 172,271 (-5%) | 270,320 (-4%) |
| Miami Herald ** | 151,612 (-7%) | 214,891 (-10%) |
| S. Fla. Sun-Sentinel | 149,892 (-2%) | 222,594 (-7%) |
| Tampa Tribune | 145,045 (-5%) | 249,374 (-1%) |
| Fla. Times-Union | 108,926 (-0.5%) | 157,405 (-1%) |
| Palm Beach Post | 100,830 (-12%) | 127,862 (-11%) |
In England newspapers are doing quite well thank you. They have internet just like we do. However, newspapers there are producers of news. Here in the US they decided to be, like us, consumers of news.
They also surrendered journalistic integrity and depend on bloggers. There is a way back for newspapers. Separate editorial from sales, bring back the journalist, trim management and facilities and merge to create regional papers.
Posted by: Jose Uzal | 10/27/2010 at 09:40 PM
MKL - the asterisk is because the numbers do not include El Herald. Amazing how much The Post dropped. Guess it is because of the great work of The Coastal Star....Brian
Posted by: Brian E. Crowley | 10/26/2010 at 09:00 PM
Brian - What's the asterisk by The Miami Herald mean?
PS - we're still holding strong at 18,000 - monthly. ;-)
Posted by: MKL | 10/26/2010 at 07:45 PM