Media Morphing

The media is continuing to morph into a new model. It hasn't yet materialized from the fog of declining profits, political biases and changing consumer preferences. But recently there were two new indicators of change worth noting.

Yesterday, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, owned by Hearst Corporation, announced that it will no longer publish in print. It will continue to publish on-line only. Many reporters and other staffers will lose their jobs as operations are scaled back. It's the first major newspaper to go the on-line route solely.

Then, last week, Jon Stewart of Comedy Central's The Daily Show interviewed Jim Cramer of CNBC's Mad Money show. The two had captured attention through a running feud, with Jim Cramer taking criticism for failing to warn viewers about the demise of Bear Stearns and the stock market drop. Mr. Stewart demonstrated how to conduct an interview with sharp intellectual focus, knowledge of his subject, effective preparation and humor. It's a potent blend. Hopefully we'll see more such interviews by more correspondents. Jim Cramer was a gracious guest who acknowledged making mistakes.

You can watch the interview by clicking on the link below. Once at The Daily Show site, click on the interview for March 12.
http://http//www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=220533

Sources for the post included The Wall Street Journal.