Obama Backs Newspapers

An interesting story this morning about President Obama backing the newspaper industry.

"Journalistic integrity, you know, fact-based reporting, serious investigative reporting, how to retain those ethics in all these different new media and how to make sure that it's paid for, is really a challenge," Mr. Obama said. "But it's something that I think is absolutely critical to the health of our democracy."

My question is what difference does it make whether a newspaper is published in print versus only on the internet, ala the Seattle Post-Intelligencer? How does that change the newspapers ability to publish worthy, accurate news? The printed word is the printed word, regardless of whether its on newsprint or in hypertext. It may be more difficult to sell the news on the internet but it's not impossible. Facebook is starting to show signs of being able to turn a profit. A reputable newspaper should be able to do so also.