Editorial:
What had once been rumored became reality this week when it was announced that Doug Manchester bought the North County Times, putting the only two daily newspapers in the county under a single ownership.
Manchester along with partner John Lynch, purchased the Times for $12 million dollars. They are on a grand venture to reshape the media and the type of news that the county receives. Beyond the print media, this ownership group has launched a news television station, a radio component, and their web presences.
On one hand we admire the effort. Theirs, after all, is a private business enterprise and they are making bold moves to solidify their economic interests and maximize their income. However, if all goes to plan, their voices will be omnipresent, shaping the opinions and molding minds, as they move forward with their view of the world.
The problem with this plan is that this expanding media giant will generally promote the interests of the owners: views which are pro-conservative, pro-real estate, and pro-business. The owners of the UT have had an impact on the print publication which, without apology, has moved forward with Republican view of the world with front page editorials supporting Romney’s presidential campaign and election, along with their desire for a downtown football stadium, and supporting Carl DeMaio for mayor.
Then there is their conservative web site “Seeing Red: A conservative view of politics,” and their television station that proudly promotes Roger Hedgecock as their lead political analyst. And, oh, by the way, one of the first things they did was to scrap their community editorial board which reflected community diversity.
Left out in the cold with this new business model is the other half of the county which is not conservative nor Republican. Their pro-business perspective is good for big business but leaves out the common man.
All we can say is if you want an alternative perspective of the news you are welcome to read and support La Prensa San Diego. San Diego is so much more than a pro-conservative, pro-business community. It has many shades and opinions that need an outlet. Alternate perspectives need to be considered, and you can read them at La Prensa San Diego.