CT Post Cost-Cutting: The Latest Move

[JS]

Big headline, above the fold in this morning's print edition: Another Bites the Dust -- the Temple game story.

Not a wire story, as we were led to expect. And certainly not the return of Rich Elliott.

You won't find it in today's newslinks. But you'll find it here under a different headline.

Yep, it's John A's game story, "reprinted with permission from the Hartford Courant Media Group."

What's next? Watch out, John and Jim. One of you could wake up to find a story by the other in your paper, "reprinted with permission." It'll cost less than paying you.

 

[JimGunther]

Worrisome trend. As you know, the Courant is printing the New Haven Register. Who knows what they might do to balance expenses and income? Not that they'd ever consider INCREASING local (original) content.

 

[JS]

Worrisome trend.

Agreed. As fans we've had the luxury of more local beat writers than any other WCBB team. Far more -- even one is unusual and we've had four-plus at any given time, as well as the more occasional attention of others writing as columnists.

They bring different perspectives and styles. They attend the games and pick up the atmosphere. They all have, and think of, different sources to get at the news beyond the obvious UConn sources.

An era is passing, and we have to hope the online reporting makes up for it in a way that provides more on-the-scene flavor than the wire services.

Despite the visual hyperbole of my OP, I don't blame an organization for making decisions with an eye to the bottom line. We can hope that eye will see the huge popularity of UConn WBB not only here (just walking around town striking up conversations, the anecdotal evidence is striking) but in other states where the team plays and from which it draws recruits.

See, on this subject, an article on how UConn will outgrow its TV deal with SNY.

In the meantime, there's a sadness to the consolidation, like the loss of old friends. You know new ones will come along, but it's sad nonetheless.