Last week the AP reported that Big Media was at it again, closing down two more of America's local newspapers, and leaving more communities to get their news from less sources.

For a number of years two media giants, the E.W. Scripps Company and Gannett Company have been partnering to publish The Cincinnati Post and The Kentucky Post. However, when Gannett, who ran the business side of the papers, said they were not going to renew the partnership, Scripps decided to shutter the two papers. The AP reported that "The decision will affect 52 full-time newsroom employees, who will be offered severance packages, including outplacement services and three months of paid medical benefits." While I applaud Scripps for taking care of their employees, I wonder if they will take similar care with the communities they are leaving. What can you offer a community or a democracy that depends on the diversity of viewpoints and local coverage of key issues that local newspapers offer?

In this case, the E.W. Scripps Company seems more concerned with investor and profits than healthy communities and vibrant democracy. In the AP report, Scripps reassures the public that it will still "compete in the Cincinnati news market with its television station, WCPO, and its wcpo.com Web site." However, there are times when competition can't be our only measure of success. This decision leaves these communities with one less voice and one less perspective. This is a good reminder that when it comes to Big Media, competition in the marketplace often comes before responsibility in the community.

Read the full story here:
Cincinnati Post to Close Dec. 31
By DAN SEWELL 07.17.07
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/17/ap3922429.html