Reports of their deaths. . .

may have been greatly exaggerated.

The last time this class met -- maybe the last time it will ever meet* -- during Spring term 2009, we discussed at length the plight of the American newspaper in the 21st century.  And it seemed pretty clear it would just be a matter of time before they went the way of the town crier.  That may still be the case in the long run.

On the other hand, maybe they won't die.  Maybe they'll be translated. . . into a better language.

This is happening now, in the great, forward thinking metropolis of Torrington, Connecticut.   (No, really!)  Check this out.

The Register Citizen is moving to new offices.  As part of their move, they are

          launching a Newsroom Cafe, Community Media Lab, Community Journalism School and a Local News Library, free and open to the general public.
        “When you first walk into our new space at 59 Field St., it will look like a cross between a coffee shop, library and newsroom,” said Publisher Matt DeRienzo. “We are issuing a permanent invitation for the community to be engaged and involved in how we report local news and information, at every step in the process.”
        The Newsroom Cafe will offer free public wifi Internet access, comfortable coffee house-style seating, Green Mountain Coffee and local baked goods for sale.
         “With no walls, literally, between the Newsroom Cafe and The Register Citizen newsroom where reporters and editors work, the space is designed to invite readers into the process,” DeRienzo said. “We want readers to feel comfortable interacting, in person, with the reporters and editors who are making decisions about how to cover local issues they care about.”

 How cool is that?  Very.  Of course not everyone shares my enthusiasm.  There's always bound to be a few gloomy Guses.

" Nothing is going to bring Torrington back. Don't you get it? Wake up and smell the coffee. Down town is dead and it can't be revived. The new downtown is at the top of East Main. Stop wasting our money on all these failing projects to see if our main street can be revived. It can't! "

And is that a good idea, just letting the general public wander into your workplace at will.  (We barely even like to let the kids into the school.)

" Does he care about employee safety? Allowing the general public to roam free inside his company's work space is not the brightest idea - especially in this day and age. And ESPECIALLY in Torrington. "

But in general public opinion is very supportive.

" I think this is a cool and innovative idea. To give the community greater input and access will only enrich the quality and content of the news in Greater Torrington. I look forward to coming by with my laptop PC for a cup of coffee and to plug into what's happening. I also like the idea of combining the social/conversational and educational aspects."

Bravo, Register Citizen.  I hope the Hartford Courant is paying attention.






* I have my doubts as to whether this excellent course -- due to budget constraints -- will ever be offered again.