IS THIS SERIOUS? - AT 4:33 P.M. ET:  From The Politico:

With the newspaper industry flailing, Congressional leaders have talked recently about ways to address the financial problems plaguing the press.

Now, Sen. John Kerry -- whose local paper remains on shaky ground -- plans on holding hearings about the state of the industry, beginning next week.

"America's newspapers are struggling to survive and while there will be serious consequences in terms of the lives and financial security of the employees involved, including hundreds at the Globe, there will also be serious consequences for our democracy where diversity of opinion and strong debate are paramount," Kerry wrote in a letter sent to union leaders Friday. The union released the letter yesterday.

In his letter, addressed to "the Boston Globe family," Kerry voiced his commitment to the industry and to ensuring that the "vital public service newspapers provide does not disappear."

COMMENT:  Should we be concerned about disappearing newspapers?  Sure.  We had that same concern in the early sixties when the same trend appeared, but the country survived.

Historically, the government has given certain breaks to publications, primarily lower postal rates.  But I'm uncomfortable about a member of Congress intervening on behalf of news organizations, especially those, like the Boston Globe, that politically support that member. 

It's our view here that the reasons for the decline in newspapers are not fully acknowledged within the industry.  Many in journalism just can't accept that the quality and editorial fairness of the product come heavily into play.  A better product might well save a newspaper company, although there are no guarantees.

April 20, 2009