Posts Tagged ‘Los Angeles Times’

Poll: how much TV do you watch?

We struck a bit of a nerve last week when we asked if those who currently produce media in Erie should do more to encourage folks in our minority communities to be more involved in media. It split 2 to 1, with double the respondents thinking that there was plenty of opportunity for minorities to participate in local media vs. those who wish more action was taken to encourage the embracing of media outlets by our minority neighbors.

Last week The Nielsen Co. released its “Three Screens” report (TV, computer & cell phone) for Q4 2008. It revealed that average Americans are spending 151 hours, or six and one-third days watching television each month. That is a record amount, and up 3.6% from last year. This is in spite of the doom and gloom of the pending demise of TV stations and networks that has been preached of late, with more eyes moving to the other screens.

How about you?

How much TV are you watching compared to a year or two ago?

  • About the same (46%, 17 Votes)
  • Less TV (41%, 15 Votes)
  • More TV (13%, 5 Votes)

Total Voters: 37

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Poll: give newspapers a bailout?

Strong opinion from our poll last week which asked if local personalities on the radio were always better than a syndicated show, or did it really matter. Two thirds of the respondents said absolutely yes, local is always better than syndicated or national.

Since our country is having “bailout fever” I thought I’d ask the question whether a bailout is in order for the major mainstream media, specifically the newspaper industry. Just this morning it is being reported that the Tribune Co., publisher of the Chicago Tribune and LA Times is considering chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. I’m wondering if in this time of tight business credit and an incomplete transition from traditional media revenue streams to the new media online streams if a bridge loan is in order to help in the retooling of our newspapers. Newspapers and their deep staffs of informed, specialized reporters have a unique position in our culture that no other media has been able to match so far.

So I’m asking the question.

Should the government provide a loan bailout to major city newspapers?

  • No, newspapers are no more valuable than any other media and we should let the market determine which media companies survive or not. (88%, 35 Votes)
  • I don’t have an opinion either way. (10%, 4 Votes)
  • Yes, newspapers have a vital role in our democracy and we can’t afford to lose them during this transition to online media. (2%, 1 Votes)

Total Voters: 40

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