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I was pretty shocked on my latest trip back to the States, meeting journalist and reporter friends and how somber and desperate the state of journalism seems. Times are tough and most people predict that several very large newspapers will be gone soon. Some are saying, The New York Times paper version may be gone by 2010. Read this months article in The Atlantic called “End Times” about the dire situation for The Times and other papers, quote:

“In December, the Fitch Ratings service, which monitors the health of media companies, predicted a widespread newspaper die-off: “Fitch believes more newspapers and news­paper groups will default, be shut down and be liquidated in 2009 and several cities could go without a daily print newspaper by 2010.””

I find this completely shocking!! Dont you??!! 

I think that the situation may be  most difficult for critics,  I am pretty sure the need for journalists monitoring Government and world news will always be something we look for at established news organizations. Maybe not in newspapers but in some form. But art criticism; movies, books, plays even travel tips etc has a life of its on through the bloggers. You find the voices you like on the blogosphere and they certainly do not have to be payed for there critiques today! Today everyone is a critic. Personally, I like my criticism to come for a voice with a long background in writing in their field and very much enjoy  reading established critics. But I am pretty sure there will be major shift in criticism very shortly.

But I do believe there is a positive side to this story, as I am sure journalism will survive, go on. Viva el reportero! The shift online will be bigger and stronger. I confess that I am obsessed with The New York Times online version. I think they are doing a magnificent job with their online version, incredible features, videos, extra material, easy to use etc etc. Check out the video of President Obamas speech, next to the speech you can scroll through the text version and actually jump to different parts of the video from the text version. Difficult to explain, easy to use, just try it! 

I think very much of journalisms future is online, the TV and newspaper reporter will be more and more combined into something new. I stay positive, you should too, new is good!

Details about the upcoming Oscar telecast, February 22nd on ABC, are revealed in todays USA Today. The shows new producers filmmakers Bill Condon and Laurence Mark (among other things Condon wrote and directed Dreamgirls, Mark produced it) say that that there will not be the same old opening monologue and endless movie clips. They say they want a  cozier atmosphere at the Kodak Theater, more spontaneity and an applause free “in memoriam” so that part does not become a popularity contest as it has in recent years.

Regarding their choice of Oscar host Condon says

“He can sing, dance and looks great in a tuxedo,” Condon says. At some point in the evening, Jackman will perform in a production number that was conceived by his Australia director, Baz Luhrmann.

Now, what do we think?

Read article here;

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/movieawards/oscars/2009-01-28-oscar-producers_N.htm

So, it is finally here, Barack Obama is  President of United States. what a day it has been!

There are some mixed feeling in the press regarding his speech. I tought it was very smart, moving and tough, in places. Barack Obama called for a “a new era of responsibilty”, was tough on Bush and he alternated between being a humble man and a determined leader. I would not say that the speech was a memorable as the “race specch” he held during the election but considering the incredibly historic moment yesterday, on the steps of the Capital building with a sea of proud people in front the speech was exactly right!

I have to say, after working in TV for many years and been involved in a few big productions, that I am completely floored by how well organized Washington DC was. Everything has run so smoothly, lines, metros, security. All other events should use this exact model!

Took a walk a long walk around D.C on Monday and this surprised me;

The level of calm all around the city. All the huge crowds and stress I was expecting really was not there. Sure, there are tons of people and a real sense of excitement in the air but organizers were working calmly and there was easy access to most of the sites and streets. I do not expect the same on Tuesday!

I arrived to DC last night and the feeling is electric! There were long lines and lots of waiting at the airport but everyone was in great spirits. 

Every celebrity is here; Beyoncé, JayZ, Bruce Springsteen, Bono and many more all performed at the big concert yesterday that was aired live on HBO. Oprah is getting ready for her big DC show she is filming here today. (Seal was behind me in line at the airport Mr Heidi Klum is performing for Oprah!). Actors, politicians, dignitaries you name is, they are in DC now. But most importantly millions of really happy joyous people here to celebrate and make some history!

I am heading into town today, Monday, to check out what is going on and this afternoon I have tickets to a live taping of the Slate Political Gabfest. So more to come!