AP: Senator Proposes non-profit status for newspapers

[Dictator]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...84MLAD974FOVG3

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Maryland senator is proposing that newspapers be allowed to operate as nonprofits. A bill by Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., would let newspapers choose a tax-exempt status similar to public broadcasting stations.
The Maryland senator said Tuesday that papers opting for this choice would not be allowed to make political endorsements. However, they would be free to report on all issues, including political campaigns.
Advertising and subscription revenue would be tax-exempt and contributions to support coverage could be tax deductible.

[twa]

I thought them being nonprofits was already the problem?

It is not a bad idea,but what prevents it now? (other than endorsements)

Is it the paid ads,subscriptions?

[armstrong001]

Sure, no endorsements. But opinion articles and slanted "reports" - for either side of the political spectrum - would be just the same. There is nothing that says actual newspapers have to exist. If they can't make money, they don't have to print. Many people get their news from online sources anyways.

[Dictator]

Sure, no endorsements. But opinion articles and slanted "reports" - for either side of the political spectrum - would be just the same. There is nothing that says actual newspapers have to exist. If they can't make money, they don't have to print. Many people get their news from online sources anyways.

the sound byte i heard on the radio from Sen. Cardin indicates the reason he is suggesting this is because so many people get their news from the 'net now.
If not for the coupons, I wouldnt get the paper delivered.

[armstrong001]

the sound byte i heard on the radio from Sen. Cardin indicates the reason he is suggesting this is because so many people get their news from the 'net now.
If not for the coupons, I wouldnt get the paper delivered.

Then it's a failing business model. Just like the carriage industry went down the tubes when cars became more popular. Newspapers could still exist as internet-only and just charge a subscription (which would be less due to no printing costs). People who want newspapers could still get them.

[PokerPacker]

knowing news sources, they'll slant anyways.

[twa]

knowing news sources, they'll slant anyways.

Don't many nonprofits?

[Duckus]

Don't many nonprofits?

Exactly, almost all do. It is usually why they are created.

[deejaydana]

The marketplace has already voted them into 'non-profit' status ;-D