Even though we have known for weeks that the Seattle Post-Intelligencer was likely to cease its print edition, it is still a shock to see the last print issue of the 146-year old newspaper, and know that 160 people will lose their jobs.

I always enjoyed both the Seattle Times and the P.I. and found it interesting to see how competing journalists covered the same story. As a PR professional, I would read each article and consider the slant each reporter took, where the article was placed on the page, and who was quoted. Now, of course, I won’t have the pleasure of having two disparate and unique perspectives.

Stacia Kirby, president of Kirby Communications, Inc., wrote me to share her viewpoint, “As someone who grew up in Seattle I am very sad about the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and find it disconcerting to see the demise of the newspaper business. As a former broadcast journalist I can attest to the importance that journalists bring to their community. There is a gaping hole that is growing. People just don’t understand where the news comes from – it is not from blogs.”

Stacia raises a good point. As an active blogger, I know the bulk of what I do is comment, analyze and share my unique perspective on news or trends. Certainly, I solicit and include other opinions in many of my blog posts, but I am not focused on uncovering the next big story. I am not a whistle-blower or watch dog, and I don’t adhere to the same guidelines and standards that our daily newspapers follow. And at Communiqué PR there is no editorial board governing the tone or direction of our coverage, or taking a collective approach on critical issues.

Perhaps, we don’t need two daily newspapers in Seattle, but we certainly need to be informed and have independent news sources. I also think it is important that we have people who consider biases and verify sources of information.

Author Bryan Heathman agrees “The journalism industry is important to our world, state and local government and our nation.” Nonetheless Heathman points out that the role of journalism in society is not necessarily tied to a paper delivery mechanism.

Clearly the daily newspapers have got to identify a business model which allows them to succeed. “Until they do this, they will remain at risk of becoming obsolete,” says Paul Nyhan, former Seattle P-I reporter. “I really think this is just the beginning and we’re going to see the pace of change accelerate.”