Local newspapers have seen their numbers precipitously drop since the onset of the digital age -- about 2005. Over 3,200 papers have closed since then, leaving black holes of local news coverage along with staff losses of over 60% -- as advertising shifts to the tech giants and print revenues are hammered. So local papers, our AZ Star no exception, do whatever they can to stay afloat -- cut staff, cut frequency, cut coverages.
But there may be hope. The Star reported Tuesday that there might be a billionaire out there (David Hoffmann) who actually might give a damn about local news and even about gun violence in America -- who is leading negotiations with Lee Enterprises (Star's owner) to inject sorely needed capital in return for a leading role.
Personally I love this paper. It feels the way a local paper should feel, full of people who care about their community and an exemplary staff who feel the same way. A sparkling turn of events. Good luck to us all.
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Rick Rappaport
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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