Future of news jobs

Here's another place I can cross off my list should I decide to look for another job. The San Francisco Chronicle is cutting its newsroom staff by 25 percent. It seems the paper could be losing as much as $1 million a week. For reference, I'm not privy to The Herald-Dispatch newsroom budget, but from what I've heard in the past, I would say we don't spend that much in a month.

The news business is changing, as everyone can see. I would tell a young wannabe journalist that a newspaper is a great place to get a start, but I don't know that I could recommend it long-term for a career. I don't have that many years left -- maybe 20, depending on how much college financial aid my youngest can get. (Note to commenters: Don't get started on this one again. I'm not approving those comments on this thread.). But for a 20-something or even a teen looking to get started in journalism, I would recommend a few years at a newspaper with a long-term goal of getting into on-line.

The future of newspapers probably lies in the GateHouse Media model: Smaller markets that are underserved by metro papers and broadcast media. These markets are where advertisers need the local paper. At least they do now. Between now and when I retire at age 75, it will be interesting to see how all that changes.

A lot of bloggers in what's known as the Pajamas Media say they hate the mainstream media, but most of those bloggers would be totally lost without the news and information provided daily by the MSM. But there should be good opportunities for straight reporters in the online world of the future. The business model might not be there yet, but someone will find the right market.