We appreciate the sentiment, Marlin, but no thanks.
That should be the response of the state newspaper industry to Rep. Marlin Schneider, who on Tuesday proposed an idea to help save newspapers from their economic hardships. Schneider, D-Wisconsin Rapids, announced a plan during a Tuesday news conference that would make any building associated with newspaper production exempt from property taxes. He said he wants to protect newspapers, many of which are experiencing staff reductions and furloughs to stay afloat as advertising revenue declines.
The irony that the proposal was coming from him wasn't lost on Schneider.
"It's hard for me because you guys jerk me around all the time," Schneider said. "Some days I hate your guts."
At least he's honest. Many newspapers, including this one, have been at odds with Schneider over his repeated attempts to limit public access to the state's online court system.
Schneider said he didn't consult with any newspapers or industry groups before coming up with his proposal. He said that even if his idea goes nowhere in the Legislature, he wants it to spark newspaper editorials and other ideas to help the industry.
Well, Marlin, here you go.
As Wisconsin Newspaper Association Director Peter Fox pointed out Tuesday, newspapers "aren't looking for any special privileges that would put them above other parts of the Wisconsin business community." Nor should they. Newspapers promote equal access for the citizenry and the press to public information and governmental meetings. The same principal should apply to business. Newspapers don't deserve economic favors any more than any other business or industry.
Also, the free press never should have even the appearance of being beholden to government for its existence and vitality.
Yes, times are very tough for newspapers these days. But it must be up to each individual company and the industry at large to find ways to reverse the course. That will require innovation and, most likely, new business models. It shouldn't require a tax break from state government.
So, thank you, Rep. Schneider, for acknowledging the importance of newspapers in a democratic society, and for seeking a way to help them survive and thrive. We appreciate your good intentions. But government assistance isn't the answer to preserving a free press.
That should be the response of the state newspaper industry to Rep. Marlin Schneider, who on Tuesday proposed an idea to help save newspapers from their economic hardships. Schneider, D-Wisconsin Rapids, announced a plan during a Tuesday news conference that would make any building associated with newspaper production exempt from property taxes. He said he wants to protect newspapers, many of which are experiencing staff reductions and furloughs to stay afloat as advertising revenue declines.
The irony that the proposal was coming from him wasn't lost on Schneider.
"It's hard for me because you guys jerk me around all the time," Schneider said. "Some days I hate your guts."
At least he's honest. Many newspapers, including this one, have been at odds with Schneider over his repeated attempts to limit public access to the state's online court system.
Schneider said he didn't consult with any newspapers or industry groups before coming up with his proposal. He said that even if his idea goes nowhere in the Legislature, he wants it to spark newspaper editorials and other ideas to help the industry.
Well, Marlin, here you go.
As Wisconsin Newspaper Association Director Peter Fox pointed out Tuesday, newspapers "aren't looking for any special privileges that would put them above other parts of the Wisconsin business community." Nor should they. Newspapers promote equal access for the citizenry and the press to public information and governmental meetings. The same principal should apply to business. Newspapers don't deserve economic favors any more than any other business or industry.
Also, the free press never should have even the appearance of being beholden to government for its existence and vitality.
Yes, times are very tough for newspapers these days. But it must be up to each individual company and the industry at large to find ways to reverse the course. That will require innovation and, most likely, new business models. It shouldn't require a tax break from state government.
So, thank you, Rep. Schneider, for acknowledging the importance of newspapers in a democratic society, and for seeking a way to help them survive and thrive. We appreciate your good intentions. But government assistance isn't the answer to preserving a free press.
