When transferred to Barksdale Air Force Base in January 1977, I knew NO ONE in the river cities.
In an effort to get up to speed on my new residence—before I decided to stay—I read just about everything in print on Shreveport Bossier. And that included subscribing to the Shreveport Times and the Shreveport Journal.
To my dismay , the Journal ceased publication in March 1991.
I still have the Shreveport Times thrown at my door each day. Additionally I subscribe to USA Today, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times—the paper edition for all.
At my office I receive the Bossier Press Tribune and The Shreveport Sun.
Yes, I am a newspaper—hard copy—junkie. And that was BEFORE I purchased The Inquisitor on Oct. 12.
The drastic reduction in staff at The Shreveport Times, starting last year, has had a serious impact on the paper’s content. This is unfortunate for everyone—the Time’s staff , its readers, and my friends at that paper. And its not good for northwest Louisiana.
I am concerned that the now approved merger of Gannett and New Media will negatively affect The Shreveport Times.
As reported in USA Today, the combined company will be called Gannett. The new Gannett plans to cut $275 million to $300 million in costs within the next 2 years. That means our local paper may face further staff reductions, and maybe fewer than 7 papers a week.
This concerns me. Greatly.
I believe that the more news outlets in northwest Louisiana the better. Especially newspapers that provide more than a fleeting reports of local news and events. The transformation of newspapers into a digital format has changed the media landscape, and will continue to do so.
As for us old fogeys, there is hope that the “hold in your hand” paper will still be in demand. If only the younger generations would get into the newspaper habit.