There used to be big money in the journalism business. But for-profit newsrooms fell on hard times when advertisers migrated to newer media.
They are still smarting and frequently cutting staff, while news operations designed without profits as a goal are growing in number. Nonprofit newsrooms are often small, but provide a vital service in keeping communities informed about local issues and events.
The Applegater provides such information to the people of the Applegate Valley west of Medford. Bert Etling, who worked in for-profit news for many years, is its editor.
He joins us to discuss new directions in local news, and a national program designed to help small local newsrooms stay in business.