Newspapers need at least 20 more years

My DH works for Gannett's Louisville Courier-Journal, before that The Lansing State Journal and before that, Gannett News Service. I worked for the Portland (MI) Review & Observer and Grand Ledge Independent -- way back in the late 80s when we still laid out galleys with waxed paper columns edited with actual razor blades.
Though I got out before the advent of the internet, Steve has had to adjust and build his computer skills - always his forte - for his work in his papers' graphic arts departments. So far technology hasn't passed him by and his skills are valuable enough that he is one of only 2 artists left at his semi-major metropolitan newspaper after last month's layoffs. But with nearly 20 years to go before he hits retirement age, we're wondering if newspapers will make it that long.
When I graduated from journalism school in 1987 I never would have imagined having to ask that question. The concept of newspapers seems so timeless -- their form practically unchanged for more than 100 years. For me at least, a computer won't replace curling up on a Sunday morning with a cup of tea and the paper or the satisfaction you get from completing the crossword in pen.

At any rate, these musings lead to my latest eHow article -How to Support Your Local Newspaper - leave it to me to bury the lead!

Oh -- and check out some of Steve's award-winning multi-media graphics here. The series on the accident at last year's Kentucky Derby won a national Eclipse "best multi-media presentation" award from the Nat'l Thoroughbred Racing Ass'n.