Slimebaum et al. Killed the Newspaper Star

We just can’t figure out Paul Finebaum. For those of you outside above the Mason-Dixon, Finebaum is the host of a radio show in Alabama and a columnist for the Mobile Press-Register. We would just assume that the guy is a moron, but he’s kind of the Rush Limbaugh of the Southern sports world. Finebaum makes too much money with his nonsensical ramblings to not at least be a little shrewd. However, every time that Finebaum opens his mouth or turns on his computer, we can’t help but believe that he doesn’t believe what he is saying.

We’re all for homerism and admittedly shill for the Dodgers, Giants (NY variety), Louisville, Vince Vaughn, and Jessica Simpson’s cleavage(even post-Romo). That being said, we’re of the opinion that newspapers, infirmed as they may be, are to be held to a higher standard. When we read things like this we understand why newspapers are dying. Too many columnists lack the set to tell it like it is.

Here’s our question, and it’s an honest one, not rhetorical. Shouldn’t newspapers be held to a higher standard than blogs or television and radio shows? Too many of this nation’s dailies seem to pander to the older members of their local audience that expect things to be covered the way that they were in the 60's and 70's...which is not at all. What’s happening with the New York media and the Mets probably could never happen elsewhere. Maybe we’re just old school, but we expect print to be the one medium where a fan can get factual information and analysis free from myopia and outright lying to fit one’s agenda that’s almost expected elsewhere. With that, we shake our heads, pour one last cup of coffee for the morning, and mourn the death of the local print media in most markets. For all of their flaws, God bless the News-Sentinel for at least keeping it real.