To the editor: Having been a regular reader of the Los Angeles Times since the 1960s, I have nothing but empathy for owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong as he tirelessly does what seems increasingly impossible: continue publishing top-notch daily print editions. level while remaining solvent. (“LA Times to lay off at least 115 people in newsroom,” Jan. 23)
The Times' financial challenges arise from a sinister trend: A growing percentage of Americans have come to prefer sensationalist, ultra-biased media outlets over impartial, informative newspapers like The Times.
Who can deny that the downward spiral of print journalism parallels (and even accelerates) the disheartening erosion of our nation's venerable democratic norms and traditions?
I myself stubbornly harbor hope in the viability of our democracy. Therefore, I am committed to maintaining my print subscription as long as The Times continues to bless intelligent and engaged readers with such a treasure trove of journalism.
Gary Dolgin, Santa Monica
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To the editor: It is time for our government to act and save the news industry, much like Australia has attempted to do with the enactment of its News Media Bargaining Code, or in Canada with the Online News Act. Another possibility is to fund the news industry as a public trust.
The Internet has proven to be an unreliable source of information, but it has been effective in defunding legitimate news sources, endangering society.
Michael N. Antonoplis, Sherman Oaks
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To the editor: I would gladly pay up to $5 more a month for The Times if it would help bring back laid-off journalists.
I realize that print journalism is in a very bad financial situation these days. I wonder, though, where all the other news sources will get their information from when they manage to kill off all the newspapers in America.
As the Washington Post says: “Democracy dies in darkness.” That is what those who want to make our nation worse hope.
Judy Reinsma, Santa Clarita
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To the editor: As a loyal Times print subscriber for more than 40 years, it pains me deeply to see what appears to be another institution in an Internet-induced death spiral.
Like Dr. Soon-Shiong, I firmly believe that professional journalism and a free press are vital to maintaining democracy in this country. Like him, in my own way, I have put my money where my mouth is to support that belief by continuing to subscribe, even when the rates have steadily increased and even when the page count has decreased.
Most of my friends have abandoned their print subscriptions, but I move forward convinced that I can still make a difference by supporting the Times financially.
If print journalism disappears, all we will be left with is online clickbait disguised as news. And, deprived of real print journalism to feed on, even what passes for “news” on the Internet will dry up.
All this makes me very sad.
Jon Rowe, Costa Mesa
