Stats on the MSM

Jeff Jarvis of "Buzz Machine" offers up these statistics on the Main Stream Media (MSM). He posted on Friday, 2 January 2009.

• Newspaper stocks fell an average of 83.3% in 2008—twice the fall of the S&P 500—wiping out $64.5 billion in market value, according to Alan Mutter’s Newsosaur blog.


• Since 1994, newspaper print advertising revenue fell on an inflation-adjusted basis by 10% (from $34,109 million in 1994 dollars to $42,209 million in 2007 dollars, says Newspaper Association of America, NAA).


• Since 1994, the number of newspapers in America fell from 1,548 to 1,422, according to NAA.


• In 2008 alone, 15,586 newspaper jobs were lost, according to the Papercuts blog.

These are statistics that should be of concern to all of us who believe a free and functioning press is important to sustaining democracy. That point about supporting democracy is why the MSM is important to all of us. We may not trust it, but we need it. (Per Mr Jarvis' post, a Harris survey says that 54% of Americans do not trust news media. A Sacred Heart University survey says only 20% of Americans believe or trust most news media.)

I will say that I both have less faith and more faith since the advent of the world wide web. Others point out mistakes in the MSM that I miss. On the other hand, to point out those mistakes makes the MSM better, or at least I hope it does. Even if it doesn't, the free flow of ideas enriches the overall information environment.

It is to be noted that local bloggers Dick Howe and Lynne Lupia have opinions on the issue of newspapers--and local ones in particular. It was nice to see Dick Howe pass the kudos to The Sun and staff for being nominated for for awards by the New England Press Association.

Regards  --  Cliff