One recent morning we went to get that day’s copy of The Washington Post only to mumble “where’s the rest of the paper?” The fact is that the Post (as well as many other papers) is thinner these days because of a number of obvious factors – everything from fewer ads to a consolidation of sections. But, with each reduction in size - and clearly the Post is reflecting the challenges faced by newspapers nationwide - we are left with the feeling that, at some point, some may feel they are paying for a product that’s diminishing not only in size but, ultimately, in value. Of course the Post is facing the realities of the current economy as well as the growth of alternative sources of news, but as the print version of the Post shrinks in size does it, at some point, reach the tipping point after which, considering the growing number of alternatives, it’s not worth the price being charged for it - especially since it's available free of charge on the Web.
Equally, we noted that Newsweek magazine, another product of The Washington Post Company, has undergone a complete makeover. In its first issue of the robust, redesigned newsmagazine, Jon Meacham wrote a column titled "A New Magazine for a Changing World," stating "We know you know what the news is ... The Internet does a good job of playing the role long filled by newspapers, delivering headlines, opinions and instant analysis." So, the new Newsweek will provide "original reporting, provocative (but not partisan) arguments and unique voice."
For both Post ventures - the paper and the newsmagazine - these are interesting times.