At the Ripping Point

Dallas' only daily finds itself losing a war for readers' eyeballs and the heart of its staff

A A A Comments By Eric Celeste Thursday, Nov 18 2004

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Then, one day, surprisingly, they remember why they got into the business. Because, a few days a year, it is noble. Once in a while, you help someone. You write something nice about a family member. You put life in perspective for those who grieve. You shine a light on scandal and corruption. You make someone laugh. You discover a story untold.

That's the reason the best people in a newsroom stay. Not because circulation is growing. Not because new eyeballs are reached. As soon as you take away their belief that the small, occasional joy will some day come from their work, they will leave. Most other crap jobs pay better. Those who take their place will be younger, will not drink or smoke, will talk of brand identity and repackaging content, will wear nice shoes. And the good paper will die.

Mark Graham

Jim Moroney gives himself a failing grade as publisher during the paper's tumultuous past year.

Mark Graham

Editor Bob Mong says the best way for the paper to get on track is "we get back quickly to breaking great stories."

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