MMMM # 392 The Digital Chips Keep Falling

   

  Two major signs that print really is on the way out (as if added proof was needed!):  this past week The Columbia Journalism Review, a celebrated magazine chronicling the history of journalism, will stop publishing a print edition and exist online only.
     And The Montgomery Advertiser has named a new publisher who's background has little to do with ink and paper and a lot to do with computers and online products.
     Also on the rise: the willingness of media to use anonymous story comments in subsequent stories. I heard NPR do it this week! i.e. "JoshStudent" commented that..." and "MontgomeryGuy" wrote...." Really? How do we know you didn't just make the anonymous comment yourself so you could use it your follow up story?
     Speaking of, I intended to post about the UA student and Crimson White Reporter who made up student names and then quoted them in stories. Madison Roberts is no longer on the newspaper staff. Word of her deception came four months ago. 

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     Journalist Matt Taibbi has written a defense and explanation of the Rolling Stone cover that so many people have been criticizing, and if you are willing to give him a few minutes, he may help you understand why the criticism is misplaced.
     One of his main points: Rolling Stone is a serious news magazine, not just a music publication. And he wonders why there was no fuss when the New York Times published the same large photo on their front page?

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PLUS: not a single coupon in the Sunday Montgomery Advertiser. That used to be one of their selling points. Buy the paper and the coupons will pay you back. Is it just a slow season?

[The Monday Morning Media Memo is a regular feature of TimLennox.com.]