Media: Springfield’s alt-weekly takes media matters seriously
Kudos to Marie Carnes for linking to a group of media-central articles in the the Illinois Times, Springfield’s intelligent alternative weekly newspaper. I enjoyed the piece on the State Journal Register under GateHouse Media and on how low salaries affect area television stations. For years, I’ve hated the fact that Springfield has a decent alternative weekly (especially one that serves as a watchdog on the media as well as government) while Peoria does not. Don’t even get me started about the late and unlamented River City Times. Now that newspapers in general are dying, that’s a mistake that may never be corrected.
With DeWayne Bartels writing for the Peoria Times-Observer, the weekly is capable is some good journalism. But it’s no alternative weekly. The Community Word is the closest we have, but it’s monthly.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
