"Today, newspapers are more complete than ever before; they're more colourful, better written, better designed, better organised, better reflective of the diversity of their communities. They try hard to provide information that is useful, and even essential; and increasingly, they try to provide solutions for the problems they spotlight."
"Newspapers are tricky to manage. You wear a business hat and an editorial hat; you deal with several widely varying employee personality types, not all of whom are motivated by the same things. The issues are as mundane as a wet paper on the doorstep or as lofty as who should be governor or president."
"Despite the issues we face, we are still very much the first, last and most respected place that many of the most thoughtful people you and I know go for news, perspective, criticism, endorsements, advice, tips and entertainment. If we didn't exist, and someone proposed the package we create – all for 50 cents and delivered to your doorstep before dawn – it would not be thought possible."

Despite a difficult economy and the challenge of the internet, and the changing lifestyles of readers, Mr Ridder had some good news for the newspaper industry.

"I am unshakably optimistic that there will be strong demand for newspapers for as far into the few as I can see. In a fragmented media landscape, we have emerged as the one genuinely mass medium left," he says.

Nevertheless, "the newspaper's place in our societies is ours to lose," he said. "But we could lose it."

Tony Ridder,
Chairman and CEO,
Knight Ridder,
USA

He cited the following dangers: the advertising slowdown, which could be the lost serious since World War II. Deteriorating circulation is also a problem, as is the internet's threat to high-end and high-tech recruitment advertising and to readership.

To deal with these issues, Mr Ridder cited four "non-negotiables" in terms of what he believes any newspaper should deliver:

--Editorial excellence. "It is the bedrock of all our endeavors," he said.

--Financial performance. "I can only tell you what I want for our newspapers: top-tier financial performance. And it is not incompatible with top-tier journalism."

--Fair treatment of employees. "Everything from an attractive work environment to the benefits package to advancement opportunities to our ongoing commitment that they reflect the diversity of the communities we serve."

--A constructive role in our communities. "Newspapers are special. … Despite all the issues we face, we are still very much the first, last and most respected place that many of the most thoughtful people you and I know go for news, perspective, criticism, endorsements, advice, tips and entertainment."

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