Will you pray for us?
Words from the faith blog at the Columbus, Ohio, Dispatch:
In these economic times, a lot of industries are in bad shape. But few seem as troubled, sadly, as our industry -- newspapers.
It seems that every week there's news of a newspaper laying off employees, filing for bankruptcy and even closing. We know the seriousness of the situation in ways we wish we didn't.
Today, the Dispatch's northern neighbor, Trinity Episcopal Church, held a prayer service for the media.
The Rev. Richard Burnett talked about how a free press is vital to democracy and justice. He pointed out that, in this economic climate, somebody needs to stand up for the little guy. Reporters do that every day.
He implored the two dozen or so journalists in the room to keep seeking truth, because, as the Gospel of John tells us: "...the truth will set you free."
Here's hoping the prayers work.
Judging from the majority of our blog commenters, I'm guessing we don't have all that many folks out there praying for us. Am I wrong? (I hope!)
Comments (3)
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Prayer cannot take the place of deeds -
Posted on April 2, 2009 6:52 PM
First off: Woot! Holly is blogging.
Secondly, I'm glad for the prayer service if only because I have a friend at the Dispatch and it did him some good.
Lastly: the journalist in me wonders why the church is sucking up? What are they hiding? (I kid...sort of.)
Frankly, I think people have been praying over us for a while, just not in the direction you're hoping.
Posted on April 2, 2009 10:12 PM
Hard copies of newspapers are a thing of the past. Retooling and refocusing of efforts is needed in the newspaper industry. Instead of people working the manufacturing processes of the newspaper industry, you need to focus on more computer based services and the personnel needed to do so. If advertising online doesn't cover the bills, charge online subscriptions. Pattern yourselves after every other form of media that is now being offered online--music, movies, books, magazines...the list goes on. Is the music industry or the movie industry complaining about their disc sales being down?? Heck no, they're making twice the money they were because they've adapted their industry to be able to sell their same "goods" online! I don't seem to remember a prayer vigil in the 80's when the 8-track tape player business went under.
Posted on April 6, 2009 4:48 PM