Consider a short anecdote. On a visit in the early 1990s to see the CEO of my newspaper's largest advertiser, we shared plans to reconfigure and expand the A-section of the newspaper. This was a simple courtesy call to let him know we were committed to ongoing investment in the quality of the newspaper. That advertiser knew what some publishers forget. Unless we build upon what newspapers do best, we will lose.
Society stands to lose as well.
The question is how profitable newspapers must be to ensure ongoing investment for future growth. Of course it does. Yet, this built-in conflict is healthy and can be productive if the entire organization embraces a set of core values that align to its news mission. There must be trust and respect between the top news and business executives. Both share responsibility for the integrity of the brand and for growing the business.