Newspapers' Declining Ad Revenue & Hine's Russell Wiley Is Out to Lunch

I recently posted about reporters and the politics of editing and censorship. But what about the rest of the staff that keep newspapers going?

For some news about advertisers/publishers, I turn to last week's Forbes article "Newspaper Advertising In China Is Being Affected By New Media, Too:"

A switch to online content among newspaper readers in the U.S. has put pressure on the profits of publishers of traditional newspapers such as the New York Times. The same trend is affecting traditional newspaper publishers in Greater China, too. Hong Kong-traded shares of Beijing Media, which sells advertising for the popular China Youth Daily and other Beijing-based media, lost 6.5% today after the company said on Friday net profit last year plunged 46% to 65 million yuan, or $10.5 million.

For a novel about newspaper advertisers/publishers, try Russell Wiley Is Out to Lunch by Richard Hine:

Russell Wiley is in deep trouble. A media executive for the failing Daily Business Chronicle, his career is teetering on the brink of collapse, and his sexless marriage is fast approaching its expiration date. With his professional and personal lives floundering, it's no wonder Russell is distracted, unhappy, and losing faith in himself. Making matters worse are his scheming boss, a hotshot new consultant, and the beguiling colleague whose mere presence has a disconcerting effect on Russell's starved libido. Disaster seems imminent...and that's before he makes a careless mistake that could cost the paper millions. Russell realizes he must take drastic action if he is going to salvage his career, his love life, and what little remains of his self-respect. Sardonic, edgy, and true to life, this gripping novel from author Richard Hine offers an insider's view into a newspaper's inner sanctum.