Are traditional news media losing influence as new communications channels provide politicians direct access to citizens?
Pignanelli: "Numerous politicians have seized absolute power and muzzled the press. Never in history has the press seized absolute power and muzzled the politicians." — David Brinkley. If "traditional" is defined as reliant on distributing through dead trees and without a robust Web site, then bereavement for such a newspaper is imminent (or past, i.e. Rocky Mountain News). Prominent bloggers, cable news and Internet-exclusive journalism (i.e. Huffington Post) are now major players. However, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and other publications remain viable sources for decisionmakers. The larger question is whether journalism, especially investigative reporting, remains alive in the 21st century? It may suffer in the short-term, but the market abhors a vacuum, and organizations and entities will fill it.
Webb: The major news media, locally and nationally, still set the agenda, reach more people than alternative media, and maintain significant, but declining, influence. Smart politicians today can readily bypass the traditional media and communicate directly to audiences important to them. Traditional media no longer enjoy the privilege of filtering most political communications. One example: You can now closely follow the Legislature without ever looking at a newspaper or turning on a radio or TV. Legislative committee and floor sessions are broadcast directly over the Internet. Bloggers, interest groups and legislators themselves provide a wide variety of commentary and coverage of legislative issues. On the Legislature's sophisticated Web site, you can read legislation, monitor agendas and receive alerts on bills of interest to you. The information business is fragmented as never before, and myriad communications channels exist.
Who are Utah's most feared/hated political reporters?
Pignanelli, Webb: It depends on who got skewered, by whom and when. On the broadcast side, Rod Decker (KUTV) is the granddaddy of all and can still foster trepidation when he calls. Chris Vanocur (KTVX) and John Daly (KSL) can stir grumbles, especially with stories on lobbyist/legislator relations. Richard Piatt (KSL) is known for tough questioning but is well-liked.
On the print side, a special (very dark) place exists in the hearts of most politicians (especially Republicans) for two veteran reporters/columnists — The Tribune's Paul Rolly and the Deseret News' Bob Bernick Jr. Politicians go apoplectic over these two. Eyes bulge, hands shake and voices sputter with rage. Truth is, Rolly and Bernick have kept more politicians out of trouble than they've gotten into trouble. Probably a million times, various politicians have asked themselves, "If I do this, how will it look in Rolly's column tomorrow?" Or "If I take this gift or contribution, how bad am I going to get beat up by Bernick?"
Bernick and Rolly (and other reporters) play an important watchdog role that is crucial to a well-functioning representative democracy. However, we recommend they avoid serious accidents at the Capitol — cheering will occur before any assistance is forthcoming.
Which Utah news outlet has the most influence on Capitol Hill and on Utah politics?
Pignanelli: Nationally, the electronic and Internet media have tremendous influence. But in Utah, the Tribune and Deseret News have maintained their influence. Decisionmakers continue to follow the positions of their editorial boards and stories from reporters. Furthermore, elected officials respond to what is in the papers and work to influence their perception. It is often the newspapers that are driving policy. These are healthy indicators.
Webb: The Tribune has nearly double the circulation of the Deseret News, but the Deseret News, in part because it is owned by the LDS Church, maintains as much, if not more, influence on Capitol Hill. The News has a moderately conservative editorial voice, while the Tribune takes traditional liberal positions on most issues. Many Republican politicians pay attention to what the Deseret News says, but often dismiss Tribune editorials as out-of-touch.
Will both of Salt Lake City's two newspapers survive into the future?
Pignanelli: Both papers will survive, but with different approaches and business strategies through the Internet. The Tribune is likely to become a resource for instantaneous real-time news. The News will enhance its presence as reporting — and influencing — lifestyle dynamics of the state. Reporters from both entities will increase their presence in the blogosphere, thereby impacting local journalism.
Webb: Despite the Tribune's print circulation dominance, the Deseret News is likely in better financial shape and has a clear online niche with a very large target audience — the worldwide members of the LDS Church. The News also has the advantage of teaming its online ventures with other church-owned businesses, such as KSL Radio/TV (which has an immense online presence) and Deseret Book. The Tribune is one of more than 100 newspapers owned by a national chain, Dean Singleton's Media News, which is saddled with large debt. The News has a better chance than the Tribune of escaping the buffeting and decline occurring nationally in the newspaper business.
Republican LaVarr Webb is a political consultant and lobbyist. Previously he was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as minority leader. His spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.