the nation
USPS to Struggling Publications: Take a Hike
A familiar foe is once again threatening the future of many U.S. magazines and newspapers — and it’s not the Internet. The U.S. Postal Service’s recent proposal to hike postal rates has print publications even more worried about their future.
The USPS is asking the Postal Regulatory Commission to approve emergency rate increases in order to help offset a $7 billion deficit this fiscal year, which ends in September. But the rate increases, which would be the third price hike to hit periodicals since 2007, may put dozens of already struggling independent and alternative print publications — like In These Times — in jeopardy. They would balloon publications’ postage costs at a time when raising subscription prices and expanding ad revenue is basically out of the question.
Dan Rather on the Media’s ‘New Order’
In the latest video in The Nation’s series on the future of journalism, Dan Rather gives what he calls a “wide shot” on the conditions facing print journalism.
Rather, managing editor and anchor of Dan Rather Reports on HDNet and the former anchor of the CBS Evening News, describes print media as an “old order” that has disappeared but not yet been replaced by a “new order.” He discusses the pros and cons of transitioning to online media.
Watch the video:
The Luxury of Investigative Reporting
Investigative journalist Jane Mayer is one of the lucky ones – she still has a job. As news outlets cut back, they’ve also cut down on investigative reporting. As part of The Nation’s video series on the future of journalism, Mayer, a reporter with The New Yorker, spoke last week about how investigative journalism has become a “luxury.”
Watch:
The Nation’s Video Series on the Future of Journalism
From news summits to sharing ideas with the Federal Trade Commission, there is a growing national dialogue between citizens, organizations and the government about what can be done to save journalism.
The folks over at The Nation are contributing to the conversation with a new "Future of Journalism" video series. Each week through the end of 2009, The Nation will post a video that showcases an expert suggesting ways that the media system might be fixed, and explaining what he or she believes to be the future of the industry.
End the Big Broadcast Swindle
The FCC is reviewing its media ownership rules and needs to hear from you. Tell the FCC we need rules that serve the public, not big broadcasters.
Change the Channels
Check out the interactive map to see consolidating newsrooms near you.
