On Friday, 27 February 2009, the Rocky Mountain News published its last issue. It is a sad end to a newspaper, which had been my first daily subscription while a freshman at Mesa State College. The end was spelt when the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News merged, as lack of competition and declining advertising and subscription revenue, partially accounted from the current economic recession, drove the weaker of the two into the ground.The Rocky Mountain News’ website has a video link which has comments from various well known reporters and then a brief interview with Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. Without comment, I showed the video clip to different European friends and they all viewed the Governor’s comments as abysmal to say the least. First, he was smiling and cheerful in the face of so many who had lost their jobs, careers, and passion. Second, his comments were mostly like what one might say to a child who struck out in little league or a candidate who lost an election. It goes without saying that the reporters, photography, and quality of production were the epitome of superb journalism and an idyllic example of a large regional newspaper. Ritter needs to have his head examined, as complementing the journalism doesn’t do much good when there will be no more. Ritter, at the very least, should have put on a facade of empathy, rather than talking in front of the camera and revealing all doubt. Finally, Ritter showed a lack of candour by inadvertently stating it wasn’t the paper he grew up with, but one which was read by many Coloradoans and will be fondly missed. It is no doubt Ritter refused to read the News on account of it being slightly more right leaning than the Post, which tends to favour his party, the Democrats. Could it be, that in his Capitol chambers his chortle echoes with the sounds of glee that the right leaning paper has been eliminated?
Humans live and die, but rarely do we embrace the concept that long established institutions and cultural identity, such as a long running newspaper can come to an end. The Rocky Mountain News has been a newspaper of record in Colorado since pre-territorial days. As a historian and student of history, I find the real sadness the loss of an evolving history book. Unlike any other media, newspapers document our society in way not preserved by radio or film. For me, the loss of the Rocky Mountain News has been akin to a long-time family friend dying. No words can fully express my disappointment in Scripps poor management of the Rocky Mountain News and their decision to close the door after 150 years of service.
