The Rocky Mountain News announced today it is printing its final edition Friday (tomorrow) -- two weeks shy of its would-have-been 150th anniversary.
This is a sad day for newspapers everywhere.
"It's strange to cover your own funeral," the RMN Twitterfeed read a few minutes ago.
And earlier, I shuddered at this: "Temple tells reporters that a lot of stories they've been working on will not see the light of day."
My grief is especially acute over this newspaper fold, over all other folds and staff cuts announced in the last year. I am not sure exactly why, but maybe because of the examples used in my journalism classes from that paper. It was a model for doing many things the right way. I grew attached to it early in my journalism career, before I was even a full-fledged cub reporter.
A lump formed in my throat as these Tweets came through:
"In news meeting, puffy-eyed Managing Editor is handing out assignments. The conference room is quiet but everyone is engaged."
"People are worried about their futures but the focus is still on the paper and web site."
"Newsroom atmosphere: Designers are huddled around white boards, looking at story assignments. Editors are huddled with reporters."
In honor of the paper's last day, and in memory of its longstanding status as Colorado's oldest newspaper, I share with you one of my favorite special reports, ever. And it just happened to be published at The Rocky Mountain News.
Apropos of this occasion, the special report is entited "Final Salute." Pull out your hankie, and enjoy.
This is a sad day for newspapers everywhere.
"It's strange to cover your own funeral," the RMN Twitterfeed read a few minutes ago.
And earlier, I shuddered at this: "Temple tells reporters that a lot of stories they've been working on will not see the light of day."
My grief is especially acute over this newspaper fold, over all other folds and staff cuts announced in the last year. I am not sure exactly why, but maybe because of the examples used in my journalism classes from that paper. It was a model for doing many things the right way. I grew attached to it early in my journalism career, before I was even a full-fledged cub reporter.
A lump formed in my throat as these Tweets came through:
"In news meeting, puffy-eyed Managing Editor is handing out assignments. The conference room is quiet but everyone is engaged."
"People are worried about their futures but the focus is still on the paper and web site."
"Newsroom atmosphere: Designers are huddled around white boards, looking at story assignments. Editors are huddled with reporters."
In honor of the paper's last day, and in memory of its longstanding status as Colorado's oldest newspaper, I share with you one of my favorite special reports, ever. And it just happened to be published at The Rocky Mountain News.
Apropos of this occasion, the special report is entited "Final Salute." Pull out your hankie, and enjoy.
RIP, Rocky
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