This unrest is marked by cynicism, uncertainty, fear, and both real and perceived gaps among classes. It has created a pervasive frustration that our institutions have failed us and that our problems are unsolvable. Lost is the once widely held perception of America as the land of opportunity with fairness and justice for all. The best of times is reflected in the overall quality of newspapers and newspaper journalists, which is at an all-time high. Newspapers, big and small, are more balanced, objective, aggressive, and fair than ever before.
Newspapers remain one of the few ways the public has to connect with their communities.
Newspapers do the best job helping people sort through information overload to identify what is important to them and what is not. In spite of this, the '90s have become the worst of times for us. Too few publishers and editors are being rewarded for maintaining journalistic values and aggressive, innovative content. In fact, the norm is just the opposite. Most publishers and editors are being rewarded for maintaining mediocrity, cutting staff and content, and for not rocking the boat.