My journalism professor at Arizona State would have kicked me out of school, had I supported an idea like this. From the News & Observer comes this incredible story:
A 2-year-old weekly newspaper in Carrboro wants to do two things most news organizations can’t or won’t these days: print more copies and use public money to do it.
The town’s Board of Aldermen made that possible Tuesday night, approving a $50,000 small business loan from a fund aimed at sparking local economic development. Its owners plan to use the money to expand their staff and headquarters, and nearly double their press run, from 6,000 to 10,000.
Carrboro Alderman Dan Coleman said Carrboro is lucky to be home to a newspaper that’s growing as many other papers shrink and cut staff.
“I’m very excited that the town is in a position to support that expansion,” Coleman said. “I think it’s a great thing for Carrboro and a great thing for newspapers.”
And this paper will be a watchdog on its lender? Uhh, okaaaaayyy.
