P-I, Times settlement is a victory for all
Several years ago, back in 2003 and before the Northwest Progressive Institute was created, its predecessor, Permanent Defense (which is today a division of NPI) joined the Committee for a Two Newspaper Town because we were concerned about the prospect of losing one of Seattle's two major daily newspapers.
Today, the long legal battle between the two came to an end as Hearst and the Seattle Times Company settled their dispute. Some money will exchange hands, some promises will be made official in writing, and the JOA will remain in force through at least the year 2016. Both the P-I and the Times will stay in operation.
The Department of Justice will have to review an amended Joint Operating Agreement, but that's expected to be a mere formality.
All of us at the Northwest Progressive Institute are pleased with today's announcement. and encouraged by the settlement and the newfound goodwill that has accompanied it. Competing newsrooms and editorial diversity are a great thing. I have written before that unlike other groups or blogs, we don't want newspapers to collapse and disappear.
As Senator Patty Murray said today:
That's why, at my house, both the Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer are delivered daily (except for Sunday when they're combined). My family subscribes because we want to support local journalism but also because we simply enjoy opening up and reading a broadsheet.
A newspaper is portable. It doesn't require a screen to read. You can easily fold it up and take it with you. It can be spread out on the kitchen table over breakfast. Reading online is a different experience. You can't read online away from a desk without a laptop and an Internet connection or, alternatively, a mobile device.
We believe that print has a future, and today's settlement between the Times Co. and Hearst ensures that Seattle's two dailies will have time to "adjust the old business model to the new realities" as Times owner Frank Blethen put it.
It's a victory for all.
Today, the long legal battle between the two came to an end as Hearst and the Seattle Times Company settled their dispute. Some money will exchange hands, some promises will be made official in writing, and the JOA will remain in force through at least the year 2016. Both the P-I and the Times will stay in operation.
The Department of Justice will have to review an amended Joint Operating Agreement, but that's expected to be a mere formality.
All of us at the Northwest Progressive Institute are pleased with today's announcement. and encouraged by the settlement and the newfound goodwill that has accompanied it. Competing newsrooms and editorial diversity are a great thing. I have written before that unlike other groups or blogs, we don't want newspapers to collapse and disappear.
As Senator Patty Murray said today:
"Like all Puget Sound residents, I rely on our local newspapers to keep me informed about everything from regional stories to worldwide events. And I believe that a vibrant and independent press is critical to the functioning of a progressive and informed society.We believe that print as a medium still has tremendous value.
"The outcome of this dispute has always been about much more than the financial future of two companies. It has been about public access to a robust newspaper industry with the ability to fulfill the news and information needs of an eager and opinionated public.
"Today's announcement is a win-win for our newspaper industry and the readers of our region. Both the Seattle Times and Hearst are to be commended for their dedication to a process that today has resulted in industry stability for many years to come."
That's why, at my house, both the Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer are delivered daily (except for Sunday when they're combined). My family subscribes because we want to support local journalism but also because we simply enjoy opening up and reading a broadsheet.
A newspaper is portable. It doesn't require a screen to read. You can easily fold it up and take it with you. It can be spread out on the kitchen table over breakfast. Reading online is a different experience. You can't read online away from a desk without a laptop and an Internet connection or, alternatively, a mobile device.
We believe that print has a future, and today's settlement between the Times Co. and Hearst ensures that Seattle's two dailies will have time to "adjust the old business model to the new realities" as Times owner Frank Blethen put it.
It's a victory for all.
