The Fourth Estate Foreclosed

There goes an independent news media. [Link]

Dear Leader gave the nod last weekend.
Today Washington Governor Chris Gregoire announced tax breaks for troubled newspapers.
The Seattle Times reported:

Gov. Chris Gregoire has approved a tax break for the state's troubled newspaper industry.

The new law gives newspaper printers and publishers a 40 percent cut in the state's main business tax. The discounted rate mirrors breaks given in years past to the Boeing Co. and the timber industry.

Newspapers across the country have resorted to layoffs and other cost-cutting moves to deal with a wounded business model and a recession-fueled drop in advertising.

Newspapers are on a path that will be hard to leave. Tax break today, official media tomorrow.