An Afternoon Daily Alternative

During my 30+ years in journalism we've witnessed the demise of many afternoon daily newspapers, ending many great traditions in journalism. But finally, there's an alternative to such dead ends. At least that's what my friends at The Capital Times are hoping. Kept alive by a joint operating agreement with The Wisconsin State Journal, while its circulation continued to slide, Madison's afternoon daily is finally pulling the plug. But in a very unique way.

This being the age of the internet, there are new options available for newspapers. So instead of folding up shop, The Capital Times is moving more of its editorial efforts online. A weekly news publication and a weekly entertainment publication will still be in circulation but the daily efforts will be at a revamped Capital Times website.

Having written a number of news articles as a stringer for The Capital Times over the past ten years or so, and having been a columnist before that, I share the sadness. But the news audience changes. That's apparent not only in the newspaper business but also in radio, where I spent most of my news career. I recently had the chance to do some research on the evolution of radio news, which I compiled in a website here.

One of the pleasures of my day is still reading the daily newspaper. No other source keeps me connected with the world around me as well as the newspaper, although I also rely on radio, television, magazines and the internet. The internet offers exciting new possibilities, and that appears to be where more and more people are going for their news. I'm OK with that, but I'll enjoy my newspaper as long as I can.