Print media is still dying, but there may be hope in keeping the presses running.
McClatchy
McClatchy is cutting its cash operating expenses at a rate that's even more aggressive than the slide in ad revenue. The end result is that it sees operating cash flow growing the current quarter. "In 2010 we expect to at least maintain if not grow operating cash flow," McClatchy advises.
Larger rival New York Times
Of course, if media companies are cutting expenses faster than their sponsors are, the game can't end well. The industry needs to bottom out, if it doesn't unearth new revenue streams first.
Digital delivery remains a wild card. Amazon.com
Just as magazine publishers are forming a consortium to develop open standards in digital publishing, newspapers need to flex their collective muscles. The bleeding is easing, and that's good: It's better to be green than black and white and red all over.
How would you save the newspaper industry? Submit your lifelines in the comment box below, and Rick will be back next week to discuss some of the suggestions.