ABSTRACT
The wave of media mergers has consolidated a vast amount of power and influence in the hands of an unprecedented few. In April 1996, Walter Cronkite and the Media Studies Journal organized a roundtable discussion among several major media executives to explore their priorities and values in running their organizations and their responsibility for balancing the interests of business and news. Newspapers serve regions or local communities, and people that live and work in those communities know best what works for that community. Many newspapers are perceived to be putting their investment in their profit margins, instead of preserving and enhancing the product itself. There’s something coming down the pike which is interesting and that leads to a lower cost of distribution. The newspaper business and print publications cannot be solely dependent on ad revenues. The presidents, publishers and CEOs of huge conglomerates direct the operation of important newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, and new media enterprises.
