December 16, 2008 12:52 PM
Scripps: 'handful' interested in buying Rocky
The Rocky's owner says a "handful" of individuals or companies have expressed an interest in examining the financials of the paper.
Jeff Smith reports:
It's unclear whether any will qualify to receive the confidential "deal book" and whether any will make an offer to buy the Rocky, which has been put up for sale by its owner, E.W. Scripps.Scripps spokesman Tim King said Monday the package full of financial and demographic information still needed to be approved by CEO Rich Boehne.
He called that approval imminent and said the document "definitely will be ready this week."
"There have been some requests (for it), I'd characterize it as a handful," King said. But, he stressed: "Folks who have asked for it - even if it's ready - all they've done is raise their hands and said, 'I'm interested.' "
King declined to disclose the names of the parties that expressed interest. The interested parties must be vetted by Broadwater & Associates, the New York investment banker hired by Scripps, and then they must sign a nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement. King said Broadwater has started the process of prequalifying potential bidders.
Bob Broadwater, managing director of Broadwater & Associates, said Friday he doesn't plan to comment during the process.
Rocky readers have sent us a flood of good wishes since the "For Sale" sign went up. Here's a group of them, published in Saturday's paper.
I have faithfully read the Rocky Mountain News since the mid-'70s; I love the "friends" I have at the paper, am amazed at the strength of writing day after day, and am horrified that I might lose "my" paper!Please know that I am keeping the people of the Rocky close in my thoughts. It is beyond my comprehension how difficult this time must be for all of you. Not only are you facing the possible demise of the Rocky, but you all must face the potential demise of the newspaper world as you know it. How the world can exist without newspapers is beyond my comprehension, but I continue to read of the challenges facing the industry as we know it.
I hope the Rocky will let its readers know what we can do to bolster and support your staff and/or any efforts to keep the Rocky Mountain News alive and well in Denver!
My sincere good wishes are coming your way.
Nancy Hardesty, Lakewood
December 4, 2008
1:21 PM
SASQUATCH writes:
http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/holidays/halloween/tombstone-clipart.gif
A lot of folks would just love to kick 2008 right in the ass.
December 4, 2008
1:28 PM
jay writes:
I hope this doesn't negatively affect you and your family, Mark.
that said, isn't buying partial ownership in a newspaper kind of like buying a horse and buggy business 3 years after the Model T went into mass production?
December 4, 2008
1:43 PM
Shaggy writes:
Video Killed The Radio Star.
MTV killed real talent.
The internet killed the Newspapers.
The journalist man fell in love with the plastic rock star messiah.
Journalism drove the chevy to the levy but the levy was dead.
This clearly the day journalism has died.
Fox news is thriving.
hmmmmmmm
December 4, 2008
1:46 PM
Big_D writes:
I guess the slant to the right is getting old. When you do not hear the stories about Colorado that are in the national news you have to wonder about the RMN's objectivity. I guess I will not be the only person whose voice has been silenced at the RMN.
December 4, 2008
1:48 PM
ColoNative writes:
I can't believe Scripps would give you less than two months to be sold. A recovery from these depressive times could take up to a year out from today. Anyone who has any inkling about finance knows that. This seems to be Scripps killing its very flagship.
Several papers, have been up for at least five to nine months and economic recovery will not be seen until well into 2009.
Most of those being sold are going through a longer more dignified process. The Rocky has been the flagship of the chain. This is bad organizational management on the part of Scripps. Perhaps something good will come from this but most of those up for sale are taking many many months. Even the profitable ones.
The chain seemed to sing only in good times and profited from the Rocky's success many, many years. It's the winningest paper and had the most beautiful building up to a few years ago. The chain's move is both harsh and gut-reaction. It's one of the things businesses are being told NOT to do in these times. To gut react from the economic turmoil. Everybody is suffering losses. Deal with it, company! Nobody sees sunny times again without getting through the bad days and months, which a recession guarantees.
The most degreed business reporter you know,
once trained by the Rocky
December 4, 2008
1:49 PM
rjnova writes:
I find it a sad sad announcement because the RMN is my favorite newspaper and I do not even live in Colorado anymore. I do visit your web site daily to keep up on Denver news. A sale is not in and of itself reason to be too concerned. It is the prospect of finding a buyer in todays newspaper market. There are few markets served today by 2 newspapers as I see them.
Here in St Louis there has been one paper for 30 yrs and it is such a liberal mouthpiece for Democrats I quit buying it 15 yrs ago for the WSJ.
But I wish you the best and hope you can find a white knight for a turnaround and rebirth. I will not take the time to read the Denver Post so I am pulling for you.
December 4, 2008
1:49 PM
Tee Sohn writes:
I am distressed by the hardships the newspaper industry is facing. As far as I am concerned, good newspapers are indicative of a civilized society. With that said, "The Rocky Mountain News" has not done itself any favors over the last few years. Some of the editorial choices have been, to be charitable, puzzling. The paper has lurched unpredictably from hard news to sentimental tripe. For example, who can forget the embarrassment of the full-page cover devoted to the Miracle Kitten? I stopped subscribing when the 110th United States Congress convened. The "News" editors apparently decided that the historical impact of the first woman presiding as Speaker of the House did not warrant front-page coverage. Indeed, Mr. Temple's response to an email I sent was that Ms. Pelosi's new duties were adequately covered by all the other media. Irresponsible? Missed opportunities? Excessively partisan? Many thoughts come to mind; irregardless, it is a shame to risk losing a major metropolitan newspaper.
December 4, 2008
1:56 PM
ColoNative writes:
I can't believe Scripps would give you less than two months to be sold. A recovery from these depressive times could take up to a year out from today. Anyone who has any inkling about finance knows that. This seems to be Scripps killing its very flagship.
Several papers, have been up for at least five to nine months and economic recovery will not be seen until well into 2009.
Most of those being sold are going through a longer more dignified process. The Rocky has been the flagship of the chain. This is bad organizational management on the part of Scripps. Perhaps something good will come from this but most of those up for sale are taking many many months. Even the profitable ones.
The chain seemed to sing only in good times and profited from the Rocky's success many, many years. It's the winningest paper and had the most beautiful building up to a few years ago. The chain's move is both harsh and gut-reaction. It's one of the things businesses are being told NOT to do in these times. To gut react from the economic turmoil. Everybody is suffering losses. Deal with it, company! Nobody sees sunny times again without getting through the bad days and months, which a recession guarantees.
The most degreed business reporter you know,
once trained by the Rocky
December 4, 2008
2:03 PM
SASQUATCH writes:
THIS MAN HAS THE ANSWER, HE THRIVES IN THE SAME MARKET WHERE THE ROCKY FAILS:
http://jeremiasx.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/uglyrupert.jpg
Toyota has the answer too and it thrives in the very same market where GM fails.
Bottom Line: Don't become a dead-ender on Charles Darwin's tree of evolution.
December 4, 2008
2:06 PM
MetroStudent writes:
Growing up, all I ever wanted to do was work at The Rocky.
And as a Metro student, I was given that rare chance for a few years, first in The Rocky Preps section and later on Election Nights. I'll always remember John Temple running around like a crazy man. He never seemed happier. Sadly, I botched things up and a longer stint at The Rocky was not in the cards. I grew to except my trials that led me and The Rocky to part ways. But I have never been more disappointed that I couldn't correct things to make my relationship with one of the greatest newspapers permanent.
I would like to thank John Temple, Deb Goken, Mike Pearson and Gerry Valerio, for giving me a chance all those years ago. Here's hoping things will work out.
December 4, 2008
2:21 PM
Shaggy writes:
Mark, I also hope this doesn't affect you and yours.
In all truthfulness, many medias made a lot of money during this years election with campaigns dumping record amounts of $$$$ into them, for two years in most cases.
Thats the only thing that kept them going.
I predicted along time ago that once the election is over many Liberal medias will be hurting because they have lost so much of their audience for being so biased.
The RNW's is not the lone stranger to this either.
NYT's and TWP also have a dwindling audience as does NBC, CNN and MSNBC.
Among other Liberal biased outlets.
This really comes as no surprise.
Bailing them out wouldn't work unless they changed their management and who works for them, that is why they are failing and why a bail out for the Auto biz would not work either.
It is throwing good money after bad money with the same idiots running them.
December 4, 2008
2:27 PM
SP writes:
I hope the Rocky finds a buyer, because it'll shut down if it doesn't. Scripps seems to be going through a lot of trouble lately. They closed three papers in the last three years (among them the Cincinnati Post, hitherto the company's flagship), and I'd hate to see Denver become another one-paper town. And Scripps must be hard-pressed to take the Rocky out of its portfolio if it wants to make a sale in two months. I'm thinking this might be part of a slow dismantling of Scripps' holdings (they split off their cable networks a few months ago, maybe a sign of things to come?). Scripps might sell the remainder of its papers, and then its television stations (hopefully if they do sell the latter, they won't all go in one big group to some private equity firm!)
Thankfully we have a forum here to discuss our thoughts on the sale instead of trading pejoratives of "liberal bias" and "neo-con" like on the article announcing the sale.
December 4, 2008
2:29 PM
Former Rocky Warrior writes:
This is very unnerving - given the fact that I was one of the many who suffered the consequences and lost my job after thirty years there. Scripps never did have the guts or the moxy to win the war. Bill Burleigh said as much many years ago when Scripps bought a small chain of community newspapers. Paraphrased: he stated that Scripps excelled in small non-competitve markets. Even with a superior product, the folks in Cincinnati just couldn't stand the strife. Look how they folded up their tent in Pittsburgh when the going got tough. Basically, the carpetbagger over at the Post sliced Scripps' throat with smoke and mirrors as he has his entire career. Old Timers remember how many times we KNEW the Post was going to fold, only to see Scripps let them off the mat. And how many times did Circulation catch the Post cheating and hiding their numbers only to have no one back east help us pull the trigger. It's a sad day for a Colorado institution -- the oldest continuing business in the state.
December 4, 2008
2:34 PM
gr8fuldude writes:
First off Mark, let me reiterate what jay said, namely that I hope you are not adversely affected in any way by this. Several years back, I thought something like this would have to happen when the JOA was done. Sad to see it happening potentially now. Denver will be by far the poorer as a one paper town.
OTOH, the various companies and/or enterprises employing Tree, jay, JW, JMH, Shaggy, Hogar, Hakala, HistoryBuff, Sasquatch, 40)ounces and myself are going to see an astonishing rise in productivity should the Rocky go away, since we won't be blogging anymore. Heck, might even lift America out of the recession...:) The prospect reminds me of the last scene from "The Truman Show"...
December 4, 2008
2:59 PM
Shaggy writes:
Pretty good there Dude.
I don't know what is happening today, even JW is telling funnies...and they're pretty good too.
Must that be that Jupiter, Venus, and the moon won't get this close together again until November 2052.
BTW, I am sure you all will find me somewhere, there are only a few of us Conservatives on here who brings any excitement and chaos into the FemDems lives.
Otherwise, you all will just go back to bitching at Bush instead of me.
Not directing any of this at you personally!
December 4, 2008
3:13 PM
Randy Brown writes:
This is sad news.
The people at the Rocky Mountain News are incredible journalists and have worked to tell the news and fight for the truth for years.
I was involved in their struggle, for just a little while, during the Columbine Tragedy. I have never met a more dedicated, honest, hard working group of people, and I have always thought that they were some of the true heroes of Columbine. They told the truth, they fought for the truth and they lived with the sadness of the tragedy. They did this with class and professionalism.
Kevin Vaughan, John Temple, Lynn Bartels, Vince Carroll and many others are incredible people, incredible talents and sincerely honest. It is a privilege to have know them and worked with them.
We will be a poorer city and State if they are not in business.
I compliment them on their courage and integrity.
I will miss the Rocky.
We will all miss the Rocky.
"Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got til it's gone."
By the way, to any of you who wrote a negative comment: From the outside you can criticize. I have seen these people at work, and they deserve your respect and admiration.
Randy Brown
December 4, 2008
3:19 PM
SlouchingtowardBoulder writes:
Word on the street is that Ottaway (http://www.ottaway.com/), the local news arm of Dow Jones & Co. may be the most viable (and only?) interested party, albeit at a fire sale price.
December 4, 2008
3:29 PM
incognitoboy writes:
shaggy, excitement is the farthest thing from what you bring to anyone's life. you're kinda like the print version of a car crash.
i drive by, look at the mental carnage, and shake my head as i drive away, saying 'thats a real shame, glad it wasn't me'......
December 4, 2008
3:44 PM
Anonymous writes:
BTW, I am sure you all will find me somewhere, there are only a few of us Conservatives on here who brings any excitement and chaos into the FemDems lives.
lolol
Otherwise, you all will just go back to bitching at Bush instead of me.
Not directing any of this at you personally!
lol
---------
Good luck Mark
wherever you go!
December 4, 2008
3:47 PM
Atomic writes:
Seems to me the rise of Craigslist is one thing sinking the papers, why don't they counter w/ reasonably priced (or free) classified advertising? All those years of screwing the little guy... it's pay back time. Why is it that the mountain town papers can offer good quality newspapers to their communities for free (Summit Daily , Vail Daily , Steamboat Pilot, Aspen Times etc. ). How do these papers make it and why doen't this work on the front side?
December 4, 2008
3:51 PM
Judy W Manning writes:
It's most definitely time for just one newspaper in Denver.
December 4, 2008
3:53 PM
Stop the presses? writes:
Don't give up.
Try a business model of online-only, - anything before you cave.
I can't imagine Colorado without the Rocky in some form.
December 4, 2008
4:16 PM
A Dedicated Newspaper Reader writes:
This is such a sad day for Denver and, indeed, Colorado! Those of you posting negative, brash, and cruel comments need to step back and think! The Rocky is a FABULOUS paper and I'll take it any day over the Denver Post.
Let's hope there comes to be a buyer who will keep the outstanding staff of the Rocky on board.
December 4, 2008
4:38 PM
Planet Boulder writes:
Maybe The Rocky Mountain News should do something different than follow the lead of it's liberal and far-left bretheren at the Denver Post, New York Times, LA Times and 95% of the liberal newspapers across the country that are sinking faster than SS Titanic. Try becoming more conservative! More like The Wall Street Journal, IBD (Investors Business Daily) and National Review. It should couldn't hurt you anymore than you already are and people are obviously tired of reading the same liberal drivel being repeated in most newpapers in most cities, so be different than the rest.
This is also the reason the CBS, NBC and ABC are hemoraging viewers every year. They all share the same liberal rhetoric, opinions and views. Nobody has anything fresh to say that isn't a liberal talking point. I'm sure this idea will be discarded or dismissed immediately as "silly", but I thought I better get one last blast in before the RMN shuts their doors for good. Or even worse, gets bought by someone who recycles and repeats the same tired, old liberal business model all over again.
Brian R.
December 4, 2008
4:43 PM
Dan Everett writes:
Our family has been subscribed to the News for over 50 years. We cannot imagine what it would be like not to have the paper to read each morning. We will not subscribe to the Post should something happen to the News. Our children worked at the News while attending Metro and each one enjoyed their time and learned much. The people at the News are a fine group who deserve better than the notice they were given. Denver should be a one newpaper town but not the Post - lets keep positive thoughts that the News survives and shows the Scripps people the error of their ways.
Prayers and good thoughts to all employees of the News.
December 4, 2008
4:45 PM
Lisa E writes:
Another former Rocky reporter weighing in: This sucks so bad I can hardly stand to think about it. May a miracle happen.
Lisa Greim Everitt
December 4, 2008
4:46 PM
Dan Everett writes:
Our family has been subscribed to the News for over 50 years. We cannot imagine what it would be like not to have the paper to read each morning. We will not subscribe to the Post should something happen to the News. Our children worked at the News while attending Metro and each one enjoyed their time and learned much. The people at the News are a fine group who deserve better than the notice they were given. Denver should be a one newpaper town but not the Post - lets keep positive thoughts that the News survives and shows the Scripps people the error of their ways.
Prayers and good thoughts to all employees of the News.
December 4, 2008
4:50 PM
Anon E. Mouse writes:
When I moved to town, I subscribed to both papers; when the Post decided to be a morning paper, I canceled and stuck by the Rocky.
If, in fact, you cease printing, well, I guess I'll finally break myself of the habit of reading a morning paper.
And just a day ago or so, the Detroit Free Press announced it won't be printing a paper--just online.
So there may be hope in THAT business model.
A shame, though; such a distinctive piece of our history.
December 4, 2008
4:50 PM
Gene Youngmann writes:
It is sad to think of there being NO Rocky Mountain News. I have been reading it for over fifty years. I dislike the Post both for its position on issues and because of the size of the paper. I hope you will be able to save the Rocky in some format. Even if it is a smaller paper published only a few days of the week. Please make an effort to save this piece of Colorado history. Best of luck in the future months as things unfold. Our prayers are with all of the people at the Rocky. Good Luck.
December 4, 2008
5:00 PM
SASQUATCH writes:
RITTER'S "NEW ENERGY ECONOMY"--WINDMILLS, SOLAR AND BIOFUELS--IS FOR SALE TOO:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_otfwl2zc6Qc/SThVdj4ZLDI/AAAAAAAAH9s/AWQRv_b0ZHE/s1600-h/gasoil.bmp
ITS OVER!
December 4, 2008
5:08 PM
MONZ writes:
Very sad, If a buyer is not found I will NOT subscribe to the post. I will check in the morning for the refund policy.
December 4, 2008
5:24 PM
Ted Obrecht writes:
I too am a huge fan of the Rocky Mountain News and would also like to say that I have been very discouraged about the union of the two papers. I will not be a subscriber of the Post as I do not appreciate their liberalism and politics. I would encourage Scripps to consider that the News IS Colorado and to rip that from us would be an atrocity, just in case they might care about the people of this State and the dedicated employees of the News. There doesn't seem to be much loyalty anymore to those that have given their lives to their work and the citizens of this great State. Shame on you guys.
December 4, 2008
5:30 PM
Artful Dodger writes:
Former Rocky Warrior:
As someone who has worked at your competitor for a long time, I'll ask: want some cheese with your whine?
You call Dean Singleton a "carpetbagger", yet it is your illustrious former boss, Scripps, that has always stayed far away from Denver, in Cincinnati. Singleton has lived in Denver for over 20 years now, and works most days a few floors above both papers.
Your former bosses were typical today: they flew in from Cincinnati and delivered the grim reaper's new, then hopped on the first corporate jet back.
Your former paper was led by a former editor, Jay Ambrose, who is/was a certified moron, who presided over the paper in the early-to-mid 1990s when the biggest fundamental change in the newspaper war in Denver was taking place.
In those days, tens of thousands of people were moving to Denver every few months. The Denver Post got the the majority of those new people, because they went back to the basics and focused on putting out the best paper possible. Why? Because of all those "Post is at death's door" types of stories that were - and rightfully so - being written at that time. No more so, than in the smug pages of the Rocky Mountain News.
Lo and behold, the Post started catching up to the smug, lazy Rocky and soon took the lead in circulation - despite the Rocky literally giving the paper away for a "penny a day" for a few years. And yet, you have the whining gall to complain about the Post "cheating" on circulation in those days.
Oh, the irony!
All I have to say is: it's a sad day for me as a newspaper person. I would much prefer to work in a vibrant, two-newspaper town, with jobs aplenty for everybody.
But it appears that won't happen. It appears as if the Rocky lost, for good.
If you don't accept that or think we at the Post "cheated", go for it.
You and John McCain and Sarah Palin can commiserate some time.
We at the Post will be there to cover it.
December 4, 2008
6:07 PM
Rocky Fan writes:
Dear Artful Dodger,
You don't seem to realize how many people would be affected if the Rocky does in fact close down. Hundreds of people would be out of a job, including my dad. So it's great that you're happy because a paper that didn't share your views won't be competition anymore, but I have found your remarks rude and callous. The economy is bad enough, we don't need such a major company out on the street.
December 4, 2008
6:12 PM
Rocky Fan writes:
I don't think that people are taking the time to realize that, if the Rocky does in fact shut down, how many people will be affected. Hundreds of people will lose their jobs, including my father. It's great that people are finding such joy in the fact that the "competition" will be gone, but being someone caught in the middle of all of this, I can't help but find those remarks incredibly rude, callous, and extremely inappropriate.
December 4, 2008
6:14 PM
Kevin J Jones writes:
Best of luck to the Rocky in these hard times.
I know a few people who canceled their subscriptions after the gay pride parade got a cover story in the RMN. It destroyed their belief that the Rocky was a "conservative" paper.
December 4, 2008
6:32 PM
Holier Than Thou writes:
If I had a few megabucks burning a hole in my pocket, I'd buy the Rocky.
And believe it or not, I'd continue to let the conservatives post and write their crap.
After all, I enjoy watching the Three Stooges but this doesn't mean that I recommended them as good examples of safety and efficiency on the job.
December 4, 2008
6:34 PM
Who_Me writes:
As another former employee of the Post (district manager in home delivery), I am pretty sure that not for Singleton, you would have been buried back in the penny sales war. Personally, I really appreciated your DMs coming up to my carriers and offering to pay the route dump fee if the Post carrier quit right then and there and went to work for the RMN. I don't blame the carriers, but losing seven routes in one day because of your predatory tactics was nothing more than pure chicken brown stuff that stinks.
Oh yeah, best of luck. You've been on borrowed time for quite some time now.
December 4, 2008
6:40 PM
marbu writes:
Sorry to have joined the memorial so late (I don't mess around on computers while at work). I am so saddened about the Rocky's demise that I am beside myself.
The opinions expressed here are quite telling of the newspaper's fall. Wow! Print media doesn't stand a chance with the blog ragers and fear mongers of cyberspace. Then again, the Rocky has been very liberal in allowing all the zealots and those-who-shall-deem-themselves-conservatives space in the letters section. Is this what we've come to? There may be a need to re-evaluate where we as humans are going. Again, wow. Where did all the educated readers and thinkers go in this state?
My thoughts go out to all the staff at the Rocky. Thank you for helping me to grow as a reader, as a thinker and most of all, as a human.
And to all of you opinion makers out there: May you always be able to hang out on your computers at work and remain employed. I hope too, that you always have cheap and free internet to get your daily dose of news.
December 4, 2008
6:50 PM
silverfox110 writes:
Denver has an extreme liberal newspaper and it is called the Denver Post. The Rocky should have recognized this and stayed with it's conservative roots. By not doing so, it caused a lot of subscribers, myself included, to cancel their subscriptions. I feel sorry for the employees to have to worry about this during a most happy season, but you did it to yourself and I for one am glad.
December 4, 2008
6:51 PM
Shaggy writes:
I hope a Conservative based Corporation buys it and and competes with the even more Liberal Denver Post. I think it would not only survive but I think it would strive.
50% of Colorado's Market is either Centrist or right leaning.
Two Liberal biased papers cannot survive catering to the same group of people when the Market does not dictate this.
Is it too hard for Liberals to understand that the free market works?
December 4, 2008
7:02 PM
Artful Dodger writes:
Typical of the morons who usually post on internet sites. It's all about the "liberal" media as to why things didn't go very well for that media.
It wasn't that the Rocky was too "liberal" as to why it came upon hard times.
You know what's the real problem in this country? Moronic, shut-in right wingers like yourself, who say stupid crap on message boards and talk radio.
My original post about the Rocky had nothing to do with "liberal" or "conservative."
Oh, and if you think nothing liberal ever survives, right-wing dumbasses, why did you get your asses kicked sideways in the last couple of elections?
Huh?
December 4, 2008
7:02 PM
Shaggy writes:
Lol Silver.
December 4, 2008
7:34 PM
Hogar De Vuelta (العودة) The Dominant Ultra-liberal Media (DUM) is irrelevant writes:
Although I would not be happy to see people lose their jobs, I find that in my lifetime, most newspapers have moved from reporting the news to selling various points of view. In general the move have been to selling a very left of center product, which does not agree with the public at large. That has lead, along with many other factors to a steady decline in customers. In general people are not going to pay for opinions that differ largely from their own.
As the Rocky is more conservative than the average newspaper, I wish it continued success.
December 4, 2008
7:56 PM
ranchowner writes:
I'm saddened that people will potentially be losing their jobs because of this situation. However, when you are unwilling to present balanced news there there will be cancellations to your service. I've noticed that over the last few years that the reporting has become liberal, the editorals are hypocritical, news reporting has become opinion reporting. I'm weary of media attempting to promote their agendas instead of reporting news. Enough is enough!
Also, there are more advertisements in the paper than news. The subscriptions should be free to everyone. I've recently canceled my subscription.
Good luck.
December 4, 2008
8:50 PM
Polymetus writes:
Does anyone remember the 'A La Carte' edition? When the RMN shut that down, in favor of buying new Gott presses, they doomed themselves. They chose to pretend that the nascent Internet was no threat, that they would rule from their lofty position atop the press for at least a century more. It takes a long time for dinosaurs to die, but they do, and only children, who know no better, mourn their passing. The RMN made it's choice long ago, and they chose after having been made very aware that exactly this would be the consequence of choosing wrongly. It's hard to be sympathetic to those who shoot themselves in the head, when playing with guns.
December 4, 2008
9:07 PM
No more newspaper jobs writes:
RE: Artful Dodger's comments. You are indeed smug. Don't be so sure you'll have a job long-term, either. It is pathetic that you would feel satisfied with so many colleagues (albeit not the same newspaper, but profession) and their families scrambling to figure out how to stay afloat without gainful employment. Good luck to you and your family; at this point we're all going to need it.
December 4, 2008
9:09 PM
Thomas Griffis writes:
Entrepreneur thoughts for the Rocky Mountain News staff. Remember it not how far you fall that counts, it is how fast you pick yourself back-up! Organize your brightest staff members and develop a business plan on starting up up your own newspaper. Don't laugh! You can do it. Option 1: Publish a digital newspaper, you can work out of your homes. Publications all over the country publish an on line publication including ads and yes give the personal read ads away FREE to increase readership.Include a minimum of 50 streaming videos daily both news and advertising. No print and deliver cost means you can sell advertising at a fraction of the cost. Option 2: Perhaps offere a print edition once or twice a week distributed FREE to vending machines and retail outlets. Pre-sell the concept first with advance fees and commitments from advertisers.I would be glad to offer my 30+ years of successful newspaper publishing experience.
December 4, 2008
9:33 PM
William Tell writes:
Wow, that Artful Dodger sounds (and writes) an awful lot like Woody Paige.
December 4, 2008
9:34 PM
Daddus writes:
One thing is for certain, if the Post takes over the News, myself and many, many others will drop taking the paper alltogether. Lets all bid a fond farewell to Scripps who are only looking out for themselves and not for the loyal Rocky Mountain News workers who have put in many years of continuous hard work. Come on now, there must be another way to save the paper besides selling it during these hard times. Maybe cutting back on some Scripps CEO paychecks and big bonuses would help alleviate their "financial problems".
December 4, 2008
9:34 PM
Daddus writes:
One thing is for certain, if the Post takes over the News, myself and many, many others will drop taking the paper alltogether. Lets all bid a fond farewell to Scripps who are only looking out for themselves and not for the loyal Rocky Mountain News workers who have put in many years of continuous hard work. Come on now, there must be another way to save the paper besides selling it during these hard times. Maybe cutting back on some Scripps CEO paychecks and big bonuses would help alleviate their "financial problems".
December 4, 2008
9:35 PM
Daddus writes:
One thing is for certain, if the Post takes over the News, myself and many, many others will drop taking the paper alltogether. Lets all bid a fond farewell to Scripps who are only looking out for themselves and not for the loyal Rocky Mountain News workers who have put in many years of continuous hard work. Come on now, there must be another way to save the paper besides selling it during these hard times. Maybe cutting back on some Scripps CEO paychecks and big bonuses would help alleviate their "financial problems".
December 4, 2008
9:36 PM
Daddus writes:
One thing is for certain, if the Post takes over the News, myself and many, many others will drop taking the paper alltogether. Lets all bid a fond farewell to Scripps who are only looking out for themselves and not for the loyal Rocky Mountain News workers who have put in many years of continuous hard work. Come on now, there must be another way to save the paper besides selling it during these hard times. Maybe cutting back on some Scripps CEO paychecks and big bonuses would help alleviate their "financial problems".
December 4, 2008
10:09 PM
Jeff writes:
Proof liberal journalism doesn't sell...period
December 4, 2008
10:30 PM
Richard writes:
Why did I receive a solicitation by phone to renew my subscription for an additional year to the Rocky. One hour later the news announces the Rocky is for sell. Do I get a refund?
December 4, 2008
10:31 PM
Richard writes:
Why did I receive a solicitation by phone to renew my subscription for an additional year to the Rocky. One hour later the news announces the Rocky is for sell. Do I get a refund?
December 4, 2008
10:34 PM
Richard writes:
Today the Rocky called me to sell me a one year renewal to my subscription. One hour later the news announces the Rocky is for sell. Do I get a refund?
December 4, 2008
10:40 PM
Richard writes:
Today the Rocky called me to sell me a one year renewal to my subscription. One hour later the news announces the Rocky is for sell. Do I get a refund?
December 4, 2008
10:51 PM
redwhiteandBLUE writes:
Mark,
I too; hope all is well with you and yours what ever happens. I've had the RMN for years. Never
bought the DP. I used to get it daily, till it got to pricy then from Thurs to Monday, then
the gas went up and I didn't renew my subscription
that was a little luxury I had to let go.
I'm so sorry for the families. Good luck.
December 4, 2008
11:08 PM
artful dodger writes:
I can't believe people accused me of being happy over the loss of other peoples' jobs. Did you people not read in my original post that it was a sad day for me as a newspaper person?
Guess not.
I just listed some of the reasons why this day happened. I take no joy in anybody losing a job. And yes, I know it could happen to me too.
December 4, 2008
11:11 PM
Schelle writes:
I grew up reading the RMN after my grandmother was finished reading it. I'm proud to be a home subscriber still. I enjoy my mornings with my coffee and the paper. Online edition is not the same.
I'm hoping someone will buy it. I couldn't see myself as a Post subscriber. I hate the layout!
December 4, 2008
11:16 PM
Donna Martin writes:
Gene Amole is weeping tonight.
December 4, 2008
11:22 PM
Turn It Up writes:
Hey Mark,
Just saw the news here at China Daily (Motto: "It's news when the Party says so") in Beijing. Despite the way I left there what seems decades and a couple zillion brain cells ago I was truly very sad to see it.
Some openings here, but ... nah, anyway. Keep up the good fight and good to virtually see you. Flipping through that RMN online slide show about the For Sale announcement was bittersweet. Tell Bert and Mary V C that they don't look as if they've aged at all. And tell Temple he ah, er, well, never mind ...
I'm late for my editorial re-education session.
Take care, comrade.
December 4, 2008
11:51 PM
Doug Baron writes:
When The Denver Post and The Rocky Mountain News entered into their "joint operating agreement" some years ago the action was really a veiled euphumism for life support. The Rocky's fate was sealed. Ironically, these very opinion posts should have been solicited long ago when the earnest expressions of concerned readers for balanced and representative reporting might have had some influence on the paper's editorial direction.
The immediacy of the internet has no doubt been
a major factor in the demise of the newspaper business, but publishers and editors didn't have to exacerbate the problem by hard selling personal ideologies that turned many readers away from the printed page to seek fairness in the news elsewhere.
December 5, 2008
12:04 AM
Polymetus writes:
Let me guess, the timing is right,
the News before congress, a bailout in sight?
We must keep on printing, the rallying cry!
A relic of history, just don't ask us why.
(It's 'cause of the rulers, their need for a spread
of downtrodden employees to justify bread)
They'd make a future, the same as the past
I remember the Edsel, so I'm sure it won't last.
Keep printing up papers by killing the trees
and there's just no telling who'll filter the breeze...
(It's amazing that NTSC broadcast television dies without a whimper this December, but banks and car company's and who knows, the Rocky, are all 'to big to fail'. The television stations had to update all their equipment, skills and method of delivery, yet the Rocky and the Post are still whining about pulping paper, a delivery method left over from hundreds of years ago. Heaven forfend that we'd all have to house train our pups on junk mail instead!)
December 5, 2008
1:47 AM
SP writes:
I'm sickened by the posts hoping for the Rocky's demise. As said before, people's jobs are on the line here. I don't want to see Denver become another one paper town, just like other big cities (Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta etc.). If the Rocky dies, an important voice is lost. And I'm sick of all these "liberal bias" shots; to many of you conservatives, anything very slightly off of your viewpoint is automatically "liberal". Besides, I'm sure America is gravitating towards liberal voices; we did elect a Democrat last month! There should be two points of view in town, not just one! I don't care if you cancel your subscription, just don't repeat this tired BS about "liberal bias".
December 5, 2008
6:29 AM
LetsThink writes:
I am saddened to hear this news.
The Rocky Mountain News does have more liberal editors than conservative editors. But it definitely tries to be more 'fair and balanced' than the Denver Post.
And I really appreciated the thought-provoking posts by you, Mr. Wolf.
I'm praying that the newspaper will continue.
December 5, 2008
7:38 AM
John Wren writes:
Since 1965, I made many trips into the newsroom of the Rocky with things it seemed to me readers would want to know about.
Those trips became much more difficult when the move was made to West Colfax, into the building that was torn down to make way for the Hickenlooper Justice Center. (Government wants us to save paper sacks and rubber bands, but they put up and tear down buildings like they are playing with Legos!)
Community Newspapers such as Life on Capitol Hill, the Washington Park Profile, and the Cherry Hills/ Greenwood Village newspaper The Villager, are doing better than ever. Free daily newspapers like the Denver Daily News are a national phenomena.
I think where the Rocky went wrong was when it opposed the local neighborhood precinct caucus as a way to get on the primary ballot. People in Colorado love this system.
Why did the Rocky oppose it? Consciously or unconsciously, I think it was because it boosts ad revenues to have candidates spend money on advertising rather than grassroots organizing, which is demanded by the caucus system. Ads alone just don't work in caucus-states, look what happened to Hillary Clinton. But caucus-states strengthen neighborhoods, that's why the neighborhood newspapers are doing well, especially here in Colorado.
Let's talk about this at Denver Speakers Corner Sunday. You're invited, John Temple and any other Rocky people who'd like a forum. We'll video the session and put it up on You Tube. More info and optional RSVP at http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
December 5, 2008
8:17 AM
Dan C writes:
Many of us in the newspaper business have been inspired for years by the design and photojournalism of the Rocky Mountain News.
I moved to Denver from El Paso to attend college in the early 90s, and I remember the first time I ever saw a Rocky. I don't remember the story or front page photo, but I do remember thinking, "Ah! Now THAT'S a newspaper!". Ever since then I've watched the Rocky, even after moving miles away. I still have the first printing of Todd Heisler's 'Final Salute' photo story. I remember being moved to tears after seeing a collection of images from the Columbine massacre, all taken by the Rocky's staff. I recall the amazing coverage of Pope John Paul's visit to Colorado in the mid-90s.
These are brutal times in the newspaper industry, and who knows if any of us will have jobs in the next 5 years. Even as our own jobs sit on the line, I can't help but feel pain for everyone at the Rocky. I hope for the best, it ain't over yet...but it looks grim. This one's going to hurt for years to come.
December 5, 2008
8:30 AM
Who_Me writes:
SP,
Why all the bleeding heart sympathy for the RMN and its workers? Nine years ago everyone there would have jumped for joy had the Post gone under. What goes around goes around.
December 5, 2008
8:41 AM
Pulpvillerick writes:
What? You still have a print edition? I think everyone's understood for a long time that Denver could only sustain one paying newspaper. The last few years have been like watching a log rolling contest between the Post and the News. The challenges of the internet--immediate news--free advertising--have not been met by Temple and Co. The Rocky has many great people working there but the content is still a schizoid mash of dull columnists writing about topics that don't matter to a lot of Coloradoans. There is no creativity there. When was the last time someone HAD to buy the Rocky because of one story or another they published? Can't remember, but every time I pick one up I read one sad story after another. They publish a lot of emotional tripe under the banner of "news."
Unfortunately, Temple and Co. have not met the difficult challenges the print community faces. And to be honest, I canceled a 26 year long subscription after they endorsed Bush in the 2004 election. So did a lot of other readers.
The Rocky doesn't seem to know what kind of publication it wants to be. A source of long in depth pieces that don't appeal to a general readership? Covering local events and spotlighting local talent and Denverites? A photo essay on exercises we can do in the office during our break?
The Rocky needed (past tense) to get back to basics---sharp writing and local coverage; investigative pieces that make a difference and are to the point, create their headlines, are less than 30,000 words; and promoting local business instead of gouging them with inflated ad costs. But implementing the above entails more staff reductions, and who in their right mind will buy a newspaper in 2009?
So long, Rocky.
December 5, 2008
8:58 AM
Tom Griffis writes:
Entrepreneur thoughts for the Rocky Mountain News staff. Remember it not how far you fall that counts, it is how fast you pick yourself back-up! Organize your brightest staff members and develop a business plan on starting up up your own newspaper. Don't laugh! You can do it. Option 1: Publish a digital newspaper, you can work out of your homes. Publications all over the country publish an on line publication including ads and yes give the personal read ads away FREE to increase readership.Include a minimum of 50 streaming videos daily both news and advertising. No print and delivery cost means you can sell advertising at a fraction of the cost. Option 2: Perhaps offer a print edition once or twice a week distributed FREE to vending machines and retail outlets. Pre-sell the concept first with advance fees and commitments from advertisers.I would be glad to offer my 30+ years of successful newspaper publishing experience.
December 5, 2008
9:58 AM
Gary B writes:
I use to love to read the newspaper even though I use the Internet daily.
I no longer get the paper and tend not to watch the network news anymore. I find the reporting to be biased and in some cases purposely slanted to certain agendas. Although FOX News has its moments, I tend to see more of both sides presented.
I want my newspaper to report the news good and bad and not biased upon the writers views. I want the story and allowed to make judgments on my own.
I'm not sure what they teach in journalism school, but they better change or the career field will be non-existent.
I don’t want a news paper to be the spokesman for a political party, cause, or the writers view.
If you have a view, just make it in the editorial section.
December 5, 2008
9:59 AM
DEF writes:
The newspapers/media engineered their own demise. They filled their news rooms with like minded people essentually slanting all news from one view point. In realizing this many people have lost faith in diversity of news. without diversity the full truth will not come out. This election cycle exposed the liberal/socialist leaning media staff for what they are. They carry their political veiws into the newsrooms with them and when consumers become aware of it, trust vanishes along with revenue. Their answer to their demise is to ridicule the ones that flocked to other news (information) scources, rather than to admit they should change their reporting structure. Indoctrination is one sided information.
December 5, 2008
10:07 AM
R2 writes:
E.W. Scripps started a newspaper based on "working class" journalism. My family liked that and subscribed for decades. The paper took a right hand turn and it was strange to read from then on.
The Rocky failed to adapt to the internet in particular. Walking away from its blue-collar roots to become a clumsy conservative, downsized, trivialized rag ... is unfortunate.
December 5, 2008
10:21 AM
Tree writes:
Mark,
It's all my fault. I switched my subscription to the Denver Post October. I got tired of playing hide and seek to find the sports and bidness page in the tabloid RMN. I also jut bought an import car that gets 40mpg to compensate my long commutes and my home town Detroit is asking for my tax dollars or else. It's all my fault. I better drown myself in some Whiskey made in Kentucky and not that imported Russian vodka stuff.
December 5, 2008
10:23 AM
Bobby writes:
This is the greatest news. This newspaper is getting what it deserves. And those left wing radical supporting writers can only thank themselves. Maybe one of these days the liberal media will realize that they cannot support themselves from within their own ranks. There is obviously a group of people "out there" that have had enough of the liberal b___s___, and are obviously looking for unbiased news.
December 5, 2008
10:25 AM
Big_D writes:
I'll give you a hint it isn't the liberals fault the conservatives are losing their businesses and losing elections. The rest you will need to open your mind to grasp and that is doubtful.
December 5, 2008
10:32 AM
AMR writes:
For too long the RMN has engaged in selective reporting of the news.
This 'Journalistic' censorship accomplished two things. The first was the partial silencing of 'real news' & newsworthy events. This lead to a voiding of the covenant of trust that existed between the reader & their news source. Journalistic hubris and the debasement of the trade, by agenda driven 'worm-tongues' infesting today's news-rooms have brought about the whole-scale ruination of many once great papers.
Tragic...
December 5, 2008
10:34 AM
rider2008 writes:
I would hate to see the news go! I hate the post. I hope it goes for the good. Too many lives at stake here. People read the news because the post is just aweful.... I hope the best to everyone at the news. I am here for you all the way......
December 5, 2008
10:37 AM
prima facie writes:
This is a sad day. Not just for Denver and the Rocky Mountain News, but for the newspaper industry. It won't be nearly as bad as the day any publication shuts down ... and this isn't looking good.
The so-called demise of the newspaper has little to do with content, bias, who they endorse for president, or how much anyone pays (or doesn't pay) to read it. No newspaper gets back its production or distribution costs through the quarters stuck in street corner boxes or what you pay each month to have it delivered. In fact, they could give the thing away and barely notice it in the bottom line.
It all has to do with advertising dollars and this newfangled thing we call the internet. Readers are going there and newspapers haven't figured out how to make money from it. And, no, charging a fee to read online content won't do it. It's all about those ads that you block with the right software. It's about few people wanting to spend a couple of bucks to sell their old golf clubs when Craigslist will do it for free or Ebay will do it for a very small fee.
Counting paying customers serves only one purpose: To count heads and set advertising rates. And without that, you can't afford to publish. Period.
Time was a city this size would have two, three or four daily newspapers, some weeklies, and others in outlying areas. I grew up near San Francisco, where there were three prominent dailies. Today there is one after the once No. 1 Examiner devolved into a throw-away shopper. Fresno, Calif., a city of about half a million, once had two powerful dailies, the Bee and the Republican, and a pretty solid one called the Guide. The Republican and the Guide eventually withered away because more people advertised in the Bee. California's capital, Sacramento, had both the Bee and Union for many years before the Union died. Now the two Bees' struggling parent company, McClatchy, is in trouble because it gambled by purchasing the flagging Knight-Ridder company and sold off its weaker pieces. In another time, that move might be paying off handsomely, but alas even the stronger assets of Knight-Ridder isn't doing enough for McClatchy.
Seems illogical. A city the size of Denver supports a half-dozen television news operations and dozens on radio, yet not two newspapers. Denver isn't alone. Even Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and Cincinnati have only one significant newspaper. Chicago's two are both struggling. New York has three or four, but how long will that last?
But even as the multi-newspaper city is and has become a thing of the past, there is probably a niche in the market for the News, but perhaps as a strictly local voice. Or maybe as on online-only service.
But you can't take your computer into the "library" every morning, if you get my drift. The newspaper industry will survive. Somehow.
Without someone to operate it and generate advertising dollars, it doesn't look good.
December 5, 2008
10:46 AM
AMR writes:
For too long the RMN has engaged in selective reporting of the news.
This 'Journalistic' censorship accomplished two things. The first was the partial silencing of 'real news' & newsworthy events. This lead to a voiding of the covenant of trust that existed between the reader & their news source. Journalistic hubris and the debasement of the trade, by agenda driven 'worm-tongues' infesting today's news-rooms have brought about the whole-scale ruination of many once great papers.
Tragic...
December 5, 2008
11:19 AM
BABQ writes:
Lynn Bartels should know. The Albuquerque Tribune is closed and gone. No buyers
December 5, 2008
11:26 AM
jayy154 writes:
As a former RMN employee (now with the DNA), this is a very sad time for all of us RMN employees. Over the years, many of us have sat back and watched the Denver Post run its ways on us. Yes we were a very good Newspaper and a really good working family. But it all has changed now. We lost our voice when the Post placed all their upper management in the DNA. The Rocky was lost in 2001 in the JOA, now the name will be gone. Looking at what Media News and the ass that owns the Post had to say yesterday, this was a planned event. I stand proud of who worked for. And this will be a sad day when the press turns off for the last time while the last Rocky comes out. As one of the last few Rocky guys working in the Plant, I will have a tear. Thanks Denver for the Great time and the chance to work for the Rocky!!!
December 5, 2008
11:31 AM
GladysKravitz writes:
As a former newpaper veteran this is sad news and I fully empathize with the Rocky staff. The newspaper industry is in decline and will need to reinvent itself to compete not only with the internet which the papers have used to cannabilize itself but with the way it does business. This decline is similar to what happened in San Francisco with the decline of Examiner and Chronicle, a JOA, with the Chronicle left standing. I foresee that most major cities will be one paper towns, with competing ethnic and smaller community/burb/burg papers. Further I think that eventually newspapers will be free to readers with only adv dollars as the source of revenue. No matter what I will always read a newspaper over lunch, on the bus, at home and on the net.
December 5, 2008
11:32 AM
daddus writes:
Lets all bid Scripps a fond farewell. This is another example of corporate greed. Come on now, there must be another solution to keeping the Rocky Mountain News other than selling it. Personally, if the Post takes over the news, myself and many, many others will stop subscribing to the paper alltogether. As is the "solution" during these hard times, maybe Scripps should lower CEO salaries and/or cut out those enormous bonuses they give so readilly!
December 5, 2008
12:38 PM
Who_Me writes:
Jayy154,
That a*ss you refer to is the person who probably kept you employed since the JOA went into effect. I didn't feel any sympathy from the RMN when my Post job was threatened during the penny wars/knife fight (I was working as a district manager as a second full time job then). I would have put the RMN down like a sick dog back then. The newsroom staff in all of these articles seem to be getting the sympathy, probably because they're the faces people see, but there was no love lost everywhere else between the companies. Too bad, so sad. Not.
December 5, 2008
12:50 PM
am 760 writes:
I cancelled my subscription when the RMN endorsed bush the first time and than they endorsed him again in 04.
Funny how conservatives here still think they are in the majority, when they just got their asses kicked in the last 2 elections.
If you want to make a profit, turn to the left, as we are the majority in this country now(see last 2 elections if you think differently). The 25%ers can make a profit for those who continue to push conservative ideas.
The so called liberal Denver Post seems to be doing fine.
December 5, 2008
12:58 PM
Anonymous writes:
That should have been, Can't make a profit, my bad, always in to big of a hurry.
December 5, 2008
1:56 PM
Shaggy writes:
WoW,
Progressive radio boy is so far left he thinks the RMN's is a conservative organization.
Now that is falling off the chart loony left...
December 5, 2008
4:02 PM
am 760 writes:
Yeah shag, you have so much credibility here everyone hangs on your every word. What will the drunken hillbilly say next, tune in tomorrow....
December 5, 2008
5:04 PM
Corky writes:
Boy, having to cry uncle and sell the kit and kaboodle after almost 150 years seems rash.
It couldn't be due to the liberal slant and selective filtering of real news for engineered consumption, can it?
December 5, 2008
5:13 PM
Steve writes:
Although I've been a Post subscriber since moving to Denver in 1977 from Philly (shortly after the Philadelphia Bulletin closed), I am saddened to see this cultural loss (if the Rocky dies) to the fabric of Metro Denver. Try to survive. I'll subscribe if it helps.
December 5, 2008
7:24 PM
Bill writes:
Righties think Rmn is failing because its too left? He HE HE
I think it wouldn't make any difference. Because Righties don't read. neither does Bush or Palin.
December 5, 2008
7:25 PM
Tom Brokaw writes:
Right on Cork. The Post is on its way out too for the same reasons...
December 5, 2008
9:51 PM
John writes:
The first thing I did when I came down here from Atlanta in 2006 was to read a Rocky. I still do, everyday. It gives me information, milk prices at Albertsons, Garfield's latest shenanigans and NASCAR info. I would miss the Rocky. It's a great newspaper.
December 6, 2008
8:22 AM
Tim Johnson writes:
Heres why I quit reading RMN. Real news about Iraq and other important events I had to get from other sources like BBC. Especially the stuff about Wmd intelligence being false. Had the public gotten real news we might have avoided this Bush made tragedy. Its also the reason Fox is declining too. People are losing respect for propaganda news.
The internet is rich with real news.
December 6, 2008
8:36 AM
PD writes:
Anyone could have predicted this downfall. You all stopped printing unbiased news years ago and now you and many others are going the way of the of much of the printed newsmedia.
I cancelled my subscription to the rmn years ago because I was sick of the slants you put on the news and editorials. It's actually ironic that the superiority you espoused so enthusiastically in your editorials is now biting you in the butt.
Fortunately for all of you, you live in the greatest country in the world and will all find jobs soon, although you would never recognize that by reading your rag.
December 6, 2008
9:11 AM
Anonymous writes:
Mark:
Well you did have a chance to buy out, you chose to go down with the ship secretly hoping it would reward you financially if it turned around. So the ship is going down, I am just glad you aren't whining about it, that shows you have character.
ColoNative, the writer who claims to be the "most degreed business reporter formerly trained by the Rocky", I have only a simple bachelors in business but I see holes all over your business analysis of Scripps.
While RMN may have been a "flagship" for the company, they basically navigated the flagship into an iceberg and now they have to transfer the flag to a floating ship. Obvioulsy the real reasons are a combination of many factors, but in my opinion the primary reason they cannot compete with the Denver Post is that the Post owns the liberal brand name in CO and has better name recognition.
Now if Scripps had a brain, perhaps Temple has been overriding common sense in defense of his sinking ship, but if someone there had a brain they would have made the RMN a direct COMPETITOR to the Denver Post the way it used to be years ago. Instead they made it a younger liberal sister to the Denver Post.
Newsflash to RMN: The Denver Post owns the Colorado Liberal. You abandoned the Colorado conservative and middle of the roaders. You tried fighting for those liberals, you gave it a shot, but in the end the Post wins.
Now what? How about a complete retooling, how about an actual unbiased newspaper with two editors, one left and one right, with equal authority, so make sure there is balance.
I dunno on the other hand maybe you all deserve to lose your jobs.
December 6, 2008
1:57 PM
cm writes:
RMN Most daily newspapers in the U.S. are
in trouble! Time to start looking for New
Opportunities, 2008 is changing everything!
I just got laid off this week too
December 6, 2008
7:55 PM
UNO writes:
Came to Colorado in 2006. Cancelled the subscription to the Denver Post for its liberal rants and did same few weeks ago with the RMN. When will you lissen to the market...?too late perhaps. The paper crisis is only partially linked to the internet. The conservative papers do well and sale strong. Will you hire some editors that have some views shared by the majority of Americans and not by the typical Boulder liberals?
I will not miss this editorial board, I feel sorry for the workers. They are victims of a politicized editorial board that daily trys to shove down our throats the most leftist talking points on every issue.
December 7, 2008
7:40 AM
Rudy Dalpra writes:
With both the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post under extreme duress, does that mean that the major media presence in the Denver area will be KOA? Heaven help you folks ! !
December 7, 2008
8:22 AM
Anonymous writes:
"The conservative papers do well and sale strong. Will you hire some editors that have some views shared by the majority of Americans"
Uno
heres an idea. you can start a newspaper
what would you call it?
December 7, 2008
10:11 AM
Magazine entrepreneur writes:
NEW IDEA for RMN journalists
Start magazine catering to right wingers
l. Denver Guns and Grenades for Bitter men
2. Rocky Mountain War mongers
3. Minute Men Chronicles
4. Better Stalls and Gardens
5. Lakewood Goosesteppers
6. Flipflopping for Kids
7. Lies and more Lies
December 7, 2008
4:12 PM
javier writes:
From Spain to Colorado.
Hi
I´m a spanish photojournalist.
This is a same situation in Spian, but the newspapers (now) don´t close.
I hope that your veterane newspapre survive.
My better wish
December 18, 2008
3:11 PM
Pam Edmondson writes:
It doesn't bother me too much that the Rocky has to be sold. I only hope the Pocky Prep writers replace the Post's Prep writers!!! You Rocky folks cover my grandsons' high school (Mountain Range) far better than the "writers" at the Post!
I appreciate it so-o-o much. I have a lot of clippings from you for their memory books I'm making. Thanks! Please stick around to cover "grandma's boys"!
December 22, 2008
10:04 AM
Paul Peterson writes:
Don't let my Rocky die.
If that happens, many of us will die a little bit too. We need that paper.
I learned how to read by sitting at the table with my folks and asking questions about what was in the paper that was so interesting. They began to read me stories they were reading and that is how I first learned words. I could read the whole Rocky by the time I was five. However the comics were my favorite. Red Ryder was my hero!
I grew up with the knowledge that papers were the best source of in-depth reporting. I went on to become a communicator and I am grateful to the Rocky and its truly superior staff over the decades for allowing me to see what a great newspaper can do for public.
Paul Peterson
December 22, 2008
1:57 PM
gilliananne writes:
I lived in the Denver area for 10 years while my husband was in the military there. I am a regular on the website and will mourn the death of one of my favorite newspapers. It is really sad that the young people coming up behind me including my own do not value the written word for news and opinion.
December 22, 2008
3:33 PM
sojeffco writes:
If we are gonna be a one newspaper town, SELL the POST.
The Rocky started with the city of Denver and the Post has been the sleaze bag paper thru most of our history.
Looking for a buyer? Look for another Byer.
December 23, 2008
8:01 AM
kay sieverding writes:
I think there should be a new national investigative reporting business. Reporters should reach out to other reporters. Maybe it could be in the form of a franchise with local offices that share leads.
I think the big story of the decade is "corruption". There seem to be constantly evolving new forms for fraud, as well as recycling of old forms of crime. I spent hours and hours reading the DOJ website and searching DOJ criminal complaints and I found what I think is RICO. It certainly makes sense that the new face of crime is interstate crime, so interstate investigative reporting is needed.
There is no way to turn back the clock.
December 26, 2008
8:22 AM
Kay Knight writes:
The Rocky has been our main newspaper for 50 years. William and Elizabeth Byers were my great Uncle and Aunt. My father, as a child, lived with them in Denver while he was recuperating from surgery. I truly hope that somehow the paper can be saved. It is a Denver institution!
December 27, 2008
2:54 PM
Chuck Svoboda writes:
Why did ya build that big fancy building?
December 28, 2008
9:56 PM
David writes:
My wife and I used to subscribe to the RMN and loved getting a paper, but, over time, the RMN went the way of most of the media and was mostly giving one side of the story far too often.
We right of center and can handle most of the bias but over the past couple of years it became far too obvious whose corner they were in far more often than not...It is too bad that the reporters just couldn't report the story and leave their opinions out of it.
Sorry to see the RMN go since the Denver Post is even more obvious in their bias. Oh well, perhaps some day the editors in the newspaper industry will go back to the basics of just reporting...just as all the rest of us are sort of going back to the basics, too.
January 1, 2009
9:16 PM
Mike writes:
You have got to be kidding me about this topic. I just cancelled my subscription to the Denver post because of thier liberal stance. I dont trust any of the main stream media anymore. Certainly not MSNBC, CNN, New York Time, Etc. (and you know who you are). With the reporting that was done during this election I hope you all go under!!!
January 3, 2009
6:42 PM
thecap writes:
Since the Post is right wing and the Rocky is ultra right wing, the only thing that will be missing when and if the Rocky folds is the harmony.
January 4, 2009
10:14 AM
dennis writes:
I cannot believe he wants to sell the good one and keep the fish wrapper. One sided writers,
leans to the really far left, format stinks, you can read the rocky at the breakfast table, but you need a drafting table to hold the junk one.
color me gone forever if it happens backwards!
January 22, 2009
8:58 AM
J.C. writes:
I am very angry about the condition of our newspaper industry. I believe there are still plenty of people who DO NOT want to sit in front of their computers to read the local news and commentary and whom could still support the RMN!
There has got to be a way to make this work!
I say,'Newspaper owners, get together, think outside the box, and find a business model that will work!'
And, SHAME ON YOU, SCRIPPS, FOR NOT TRYING SOMETHING NEW OR DIFFERENT. DON'T GIVE UP!!!