Death of a Newspaper: The Rocky Mountain News Folds. Ringolsby Reflects

The Rocky Mountain News will cease publishing today after 150 years in business, a victim of the economy and changes in the print industry. In what may be one of the most profound statements on the print industry in the throes of the recession, it was announced Thursday that the 150-year old Rocky Mountain News will publish its final edition Friday. Parent company, E.W. Scripps Co. (NYSE: SSP) failed to find a qualified buyer after putting the paper on the market in January. ?Today the Rocky Mountain News, long the leading voice in Denver, becomes a victim of changing times in our industry and huge economic challenges,? said Rich Boehne, chief executive officer of Scripps in a statement. ?The Rocky is one of America?s very best examples of what local news organizations need to be in the future. Unfortunately, the partnership?s business model is locked in the past.? Although the Rocky Mountain News will publish its last edition tomorrow, in compliance with the union contract, and...