My contention that the decline of newspapers is nothing fundamentally to do with the journalism gets some anecdotal support (by analogy) from British comedian Ben Elton, lamenting the decline of the sitcom:

Elton also talked about the decline of traditional sitcoms that could be enjoyed by mass audiences. “I don’t think it’s the fault of artists, or even commissioners; I think it’s the fault of technology … You can’t smash the Spinning Jenny, but we need to at least recognise its consequences,” he said. “When I say that the chances of another Dad’s Army developing are diminishing, it’s because even if there is one happening at the moment, not enough people are going to notice for it to enter our consciousness and for us all to come to love it.” [HT: Martin Belam]

Unless, of course, comedians just aren’t funny any more. Or the money simply isn’t there to attract the really funny ones…