One of your editors indicated that San Diego isn't the only city where a major developer owns the [only] newspaper, and this change may "liven up" the newspaper. My reading of this development is quite different. I think it is a further symptom of the transfer of power in this country to the very wealthy minority. I interpret the change in ownership as a huge conflict of interest and great increase in control of the power structure in our "finest city." I think this gives Manchester a tremendous advantage in promoting his development projects and monetary gains over the competition and non-development ideas. Traditionally, newspapers have provided a great benefit to the citizens of their cities and regions by acting as generally independent reporters and investigators of conflicting ideas, combatants over issues, and other vexing problems. Newspaper reporters have often been the single most important source of factual information that leads to uncovering criminal, corrupt, and other unethical behaviors among city leaders and other prominent individuals. Sadly, San Diego's newspaper has now lost that capacity, and I think our City and our citizens are much worse off for it. (And I can't imagine that our new "UT" would publish a letter such as this!) Sincerely, P Kemp
63° Mostly Cloudy
Roundtable: Wuterich Resolution, Manchester's Grand Vision, Retiree Health Agreement
One of your editors indicated that San Diego isn't the only city where a major developer owns the [only] newspaper, and this change may "liven up" the newspaper. My reading of this development is quite different. I think it is a further symptom of the transfer of power in this country to the very wealthy minority. I interpret the change in ownership as a huge conflict of interest and great increase in control of the power structure in our "finest city." I think this gives Manchester a tremendous advantage in promoting his development projects and monetary gains over the competition and non-development ideas.
Traditionally, newspapers have provided a great benefit to the citizens of their cities and regions by acting as generally independent reporters and investigators of conflicting ideas, combatants over issues, and other vexing problems. Newspaper reporters have often been the single most important source of factual information that leads to uncovering criminal, corrupt, and other unethical behaviors among city leaders and other prominent individuals.
Sadly, San Diego's newspaper has now lost that capacity, and I think our City and our citizens are much worse off for it. (And I can't imagine that our new "UT" would publish a letter such as this!)
Sincerely,
P Kemp
January 27, 2012 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )