The Seattle Post-Intelligencer could be going out of business. And the culprit is . . . capitalism. That's Pilgrim's Complaint. Tim Pilgrim, that is. The professor of journalism at Western Washington University was quoted today in the P-I's article about its own pending demise. The P-I's parent company, the Hearst Corp., has put the paper up for sale, and prospects aren't good for finding a buyer.
But not to fear. Prof. Pilgrim has a solution:
[Pilgrim] suggested that the P-I staff buy the paper and run it at a lesser profit than Hearst requires -- perhaps assisted by a wealthy patron such as Bill Gates or Paul Allen.
A "lesser" profit? What profit? According to the same article, the paper has lost money every year since 2000, racking up $14 million in red ink in 2008.
Continued Pilgrim [emphasis added]:
If this kind of profit-driven killing of legitimate news sources keeps happening, the online 'news' outlets that repackage P-I and other newspaper content will be out of news and only have opinion (blogging, etc.) to post.
Pilgrim's personal page is a virtual parody of a left-wing professor. The self-described "poet and teacher" offers resource links on three topics:
- America's rich get richer
- Government Lies & Propaganda [all by the Bush administration], and
- Alternative media list
The latter leads to links constituting a roll call of the left, including Al Jazeera, Democracy Now, The Nation, and, my favorite: "Adbusters -- working against advertising." Looks like the P-I succeeded only too well in that quest!
Given his screaming lack of objectivity, the spectacle of Pilgrim decrying the death of "legitimate" news sources in favor of opinion bloggers is a bad joke. Has the professor considered that "journalism" professors such as himself share responsibility for the very death of print journalism he decries? It's in part because the MSM is filled with "journalists" taught by the Professor Pilgrims of the academic world that Americans increasingly turn elsewhere for their news.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.





















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
The P-I
January 10, 2009 - 17:32 ET by 10ksnookerWants to be one of the new PRAVDA outlets ...
These disgusting, old,
January 10, 2009 - 17:48 ET by nadadhimmiThese disgusting, old, burned out, pot addled hippies make me puke up my socks. If the mofo is against capitalism, why does he copyright his material or even accept payment for his work; the hypocritical son of a bitch.
Ya gotta dirty mouth. I
January 10, 2009 - 17:54 ET by choselife3xYa gotta dirty mouth. I don't even need to look at the name to know it's you.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
I don't think Bill Gates is that stupid.
January 10, 2009 - 17:43 ET by WorriedWhy doesn't Pilgrim take his salary, which I'm sure is over $100,000, and combine it with other professors who are undoubtedly overpaid, and buy the Socialist rag themselves. Does that brainwasher think that Gates doesn't believe in capitalism? If Gates were against capitalism, he would have spread his wealth a long time ago. Oh wait, he already does that, by EMPLOYING PEOPLE.
I kept going back to school
January 11, 2009 - 08:14 ET by EdhenryI kept going back to school and the professors became more socialist (in the 70's there were quiant commies dotting the faculty, by the 90s they were the ruling majority, with NO tolerance for objectivity dissent. Just jack boot liberal socialist baby killing little eichmans)
They truly are pathetic, whiny, predictable and weak.
[Pilgrim] suggested that
January 10, 2009 - 17:51 ET by motherbelt[Pilgrim] suggested that the P-I staff buy the paper and run it at a
lesser profit than Hearst requires -- perhaps assisted by a wealthy
patron such as Bill Gates or Paul Allen.
ROFLMAO!
And where the heck are the "staff" supposed to get the money to buy the paper? Does he think they all have money lying around that they can invest in a losing enterprise?/ And does he think they will all take a pay cut because they're not making any profit at all?
No, what he really means is a "patron" to foot the bill out of the goodness of his heart, support the staff (without those nasty advertising dollars, of course!) and keep the paper going as a service to humanity.
This Professor is right around the bend. I'll be bet his class is a hoot!
Other people's money
January 10, 2009 - 18:25 ET by KC MulvilleSee how quick they are with suggestions for how rich people should spend money!
Liberals want to dictate how vast sums of money are spent. But they don't want to be bothered with how to make the money in the first place.
KC, see my comment below
January 10, 2009 - 19:20 ET by motherbeltKC, see my comment below about Star Trek TNG.
This comment of yours wasn't here when I did it.
Great minds think alike
January 11, 2009 - 01:11 ET by KC MulvilleSo can I ask you a question? Where did I put the remote?
Wow!
January 10, 2009 - 17:49 ET by heldmywUnbelievably childish, out-of-touch with reality and just plain stupid.
This asshat is a teacher? Really?
Downsize him. Quick.
The paper hasn't made a
January 10, 2009 - 17:50 ET by bigtimerThe paper hasn't made a profit since 2000....hmmmm, nothing like being fair and balanced in their work they stick out for all to read...
You can explain, complain, spell the reasons out for the reason why they aren't making a profit and the leftist still eat the pages.
None are so blind as those who refuse to see.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I know...how DARE they not
January 10, 2009 - 18:03 ET by motherbeltI know...how DARE they not keep publishing in the face of losses? They are not in business to earn a profit! This is a public service!
Henry Paulson, call your office.....
→ Needs more pictures
January 10, 2009 - 18:11 ET by Cool ArrowSad that the Democrat ideology hasn't bothered to foster school systems that teach . . . reading.
mb... It would be
January 10, 2009 - 18:13 ET by bigtimermb...
It would be hilarious if it weren't so embarrassing.
Anymore I just shake my head, these people refuse to see the light...no matter how much they have it explained.
Typical lefties.
What is sad, I am afraid us tax-payers may end up bailing these leftists and all their ilk of the same venue out too before it is over.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
→ Professor Pilgrim's Progress
January 10, 2009 - 18:28 ET by Cool ArrowIt's like, man, when I was at Berkeley, like man, we had these, like free stores.
Do these lefties actually think that money grows on trees?
January 10, 2009 - 18:44 ET by c5thenIf they have been losing money since 2000, where does the money come from to pay the salaries of the editors and employees? Where does the money come from that pays for the distribution of the papers?
Why doesn't Tim Pilgrim stop taking a salary from his college and teach his classes for free? Why don't all colleges in the US simply stop charging tuition and allow students to get the education for free?
Is there some method for stripping the degree of a person who has demonstrated public stupidity and a clear lack of understanding of the world's most basic concepts?
Hey, I got the wrong "CHANGE"!
Alan Keyes / Sarah Palin - 2012
→ It's a communist plot
January 10, 2009 - 18:49 ET by Cool ArrowEver since the Seattle Liberals converted to Islam, they don't have need of paper of any kind anymore.
Left hand and a bowl of water.
CA
January 10, 2009 - 23:51 ET by thebutlerdiditEuuuh. But probably true. As has been said, why would someone "rich," those people that Pilgrim despises, bail out this rag? It is amazing how they hate capitalism, but the money it makes that they may need to bail them, well, that's a different story! When will this generation of old goofy hippies retire, or die out? They can go the way of the dinosaur.
Cool... Oregon is the
January 10, 2009 - 23:58 ET by bigtimerCool...
Oregon is the exact same.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
These people live with a
January 10, 2009 - 19:17 ET by motherbeltThese people live with a "Star Trek: the Next Generation" mentality.
On the show, they have "evolved beyond the need for money," eradicated poverty (see previous)....they go to merchants and just say "have it sent to my quarters...." No one ever pays for anything; They do their jobs just for self-fulfillment!
It's hilarious!
No kidding. Did you ever
January 10, 2009 - 19:34 ET by AuH2oNo kidding.
Did you ever wonder what happens to the people who don't follow directive 10-289 portrayed in TNG.
Probably shipped to the dilithum mines of Remus.
Or, they are the next "red shirt" on the landing party.
Star Trek was only decent in
January 10, 2009 - 21:45 ET by BDStar Trek was only decent in the 1960's. Everything post that is a leftist waste of time.
Even in ST the idea of pay
January 10, 2009 - 23:04 ET by Dan The Man 2Even in ST the idea of pay was obsolete. It was teh episode where a few rich folks had been put into suspended animation and then rescued in Kirks time.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Yeah, but at least they had
January 11, 2009 - 13:16 ET by BDYeah, but at least they had Harcourt Fenton Mudd who sought profit.
In the later shows (Rubbish) they had to create a alien (Fahrengi)species that sought profit to keep things moving in the scripts.
The key is that in the first series, when a monster destroyed a planet/ship/or outpost Captian Kirk did what was necessary by FRYING it. The ultra-cool use or a nuclear mortar comes to mind
In the later episodes the first and nearly universal reaction was to summon Deana Troy to "Feel its pain." Then they reasoned with it which universally seemed to work - even with the friggin Borg Collective. It was like watching the lefties under the Clintons in outer space.
What trash. Usually, those who mass murder need to assume room temperature or high explosives.
Don't forget the Ferengi
January 10, 2009 - 21:51 ET by nkviking75Don't forget TNG's Ferengi, a race that is a blatant parody of what a liberal thinks capitalism is.
I love Star Trek, but such a society would never work in real life.
Welcome to the era of unity, you racist!
Yeah, but when you look at
January 11, 2009 - 13:18 ET by BDYeah, but when you look at them objectively the Fahrengi were the only thing that kept the damn show moving logically.
Oddly, I am on Dipstick's Side
January 10, 2009 - 18:46 ET by Two DogsWhat this simpering idiot fails to realize is that there is a reason to save S-I. Because Michelle Malkin worked there and if I remember correctly she was still there when she started being syndicated.
Let's get behind this douchenozzle, but be very vocal about why. Because it is an integral part of why we all know Michelle's work now. Wonder what his reaction to that would be, hmmmm?
How is it that Pilgrim is
January 10, 2009 - 19:01 ET by stratmanHow is it that Pilgrim is not part of Obama's administration?
I mean, the Prof. sounds like a purrfect fit for Team One - no experience and clings to his Marxist theology for everyone else but himself.
Betcha he gets a call from
January 10, 2009 - 20:06 ET by celatorBetcha he gets a call from Obama's stooges soon. They're not gonna let this Marxist diamond in the rough get away from their clutches.
The looney perfesser has likely lived his entire life on taxpayers' money, so he'd probably jump at the chance, rather than try to find an honorable occupation, i.e. carpentry, plumbing, automobile repair, working on a factory floor, etc.
Think of the number of minds he has poisoned all these years with his '60's nonsense.
For liberal Democrats and the MSM, everything is crisis, chaos, calamity and catastrophe. And only the government has the solution.
Pilgrim = Bill Ayers Wussy Brother
January 10, 2009 - 23:30 ET by stratmanPilgrim seems like the kind of moron that tried living on a commune, failed miserably, and blamed the failure on capitalist intrususions into their great socialist utopia.
He may also qualify as crazy because he probably thinks it could have worked if only we had... (fill in with something unrealistic).
I shudder at the thought of all the potential he has corrupted in his students.
Yup. All true. It might
January 10, 2009 - 23:39 ET by celatorYup. All true. It might help if he didn't dye his gray hair to make it look orange. Just saying. That's probably why they through him outta the commune. Too flashy. Attracted head lice.
For liberal Democrats and the MSM, everything is crisis, chaos, calamity and catastrophe. That justifies stealing your property and liberties.
Lesser profit? What the
January 10, 2009 - 19:19 ET by AuH2oLesser profit? What the he double L!
If your 14 million in the hole the only thing "lesser" (sic) would be to make the employees give up their pay so that a $20 bill could be included with each Sunday home edition.
Holy dope smoking liberalism! Where do these idiots come from?
Their real hutspah is, when they express anger that Joe the Plumber (who isn't a card carrying, licensed, educated, journalist) goes to Isreal to do their job.
Go JTP! I hope he rocks!
"Lesser profit?" And you
January 10, 2009 - 23:42 ET by celator"Lesser profit?"
And you can bet he's the first one to throw a hissy fit if he doesn't get the annual salary increase he thought he should receive.
For liberal Democrats and the MSM, everything is crisis, chaos, calamity and catastrophe. That justifies stealing your property and liberties.
Western Washington University
January 10, 2009 - 19:27 ET by JeffWeimerRachel Corrie (St. Pancake at LGF) went there. I Wonder where she got her ideas?
Western Washington
January 10, 2009 - 19:33 ET by MrSnugglesWestern Washington University just canned its football program after 100 years so that they could fund a billiards team. Thats what happens when marxists take over.
MrSnug... OMG....how sad
January 10, 2009 - 19:43 ET by bigtimerMrSnug...
OMG....how sad is that, Wa. has really gone all the way now...I heard a few days ago somewhere that the lovely cheating Marxist witch of a Gov. may be named Commerce Sec. by O.
It has been really hard to watch over the decades what the west has become...and still the leftists are chipping away on all the remaining states they haven't taken over completely yet.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Well that's because women
January 10, 2009 - 20:17 ET by motherbeltWell that's because women can play billiards but not football, I'm sure.
Let's hear it for Title IX!!
We are truly in Bizarro World.
this dude looks like
January 10, 2009 - 19:41 ET by larry on LIa squeegee warrior that was run off the streets in new york city.
this dude looks like
January 10, 2009 - 19:41 ET by larry on LIa squeegee warrior that was run off the streets in new york city.
Pilgrim
January 10, 2009 - 19:42 ET by jaywlPilgrim should propose the workers at the PI form a commune (or is that what he did?). The paper is only losing $119 per subscriber. If each proletarian would contribute $20,220 that problem would disappear. The Pilgrim guy could then assist the editors in promoting more left wing BS. On the other hand, they could do things like really investigating how the last Governor was elected. Remember? The same kind of recount is going on in Minnesota right now. The democrat starts out behind, democrat votes are found, Republican votes are thrown out. If the first recount doesn't do the trick, then do another, and another until they get it right. I'll bet that would sell some papers. How about tracking Obama's money and donors! Nah! Too hard. Easier to form a commune, at least for the theoretical Professor.
Read more >> Options >>
At least he's not teaching
January 10, 2009 - 20:05 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveAt least he's not teaching business or economics classes.
The only reason a wealthy benefactor may get involved would be for a possible tax-break, but they'd probably lose more money than any benefits a tax-break may offer.
And it isn't like the P-I is an innocent victim. It has helped cause it's own demise by trying to protect itself from competition from the Seattle Times through a Joint Operating Agreement. Protectionism and unions aren't good for businesses that wish to become and remain successful.
"An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life." --Robert A. Heinlein, "Beyond This Horizon," 1942
"At least he's not teaching
January 10, 2009 - 20:21 ET by celator"At least he's not teaching business or economics classes."
The sad part is, when his students did stories on business and economics issues, he probably got his two cents in about the "evils" of capitalism.
For liberal Democrats and the MSM, everything is crisis, chaos, calamity and catastrophe. That's how they justify stealing your property (taxes you pay, i
Professors do very little
January 10, 2009 - 20:31 ET by kgProfessors do very little teaching. It would be beneath them to teach more than 4-5 hours a week. The remainder is taught by aides.
One man's lies are another man's news.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
Hence the
January 10, 2009 - 20:57 ET by Jack BauerHence the expression:
Jack
January 10, 2009 - 23:57 ET by thebutlerdiditI thought that was as dumb as a Washington Post? Oh, nevermind, both work.
[Pilgrim] suggested that
January 10, 2009 - 21:43 ET by BD[Pilgrim] suggested that the P-I staff buy the paper and run it at a lesser profit than Hearst requires
I guess this makes him the
January 10, 2009 - 21:50 ET by fitzfongI guess this makes him the early favorite for the 2009 Nobel Prize in Economics.
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." -Ronald Reagan
fitzfong.blogspot.com
Pilgrim and Kruggie should
January 10, 2009 - 22:10 ET by d1carterPilgrim and Kruggie should start their own lesser profitable outlet for their silly little writings....
The nutroots clearly don't
January 11, 2009 - 00:08 ET by HockeyKidThe nutroots clearly don't understand that real newspapers (i.e., not the campus variety) have always been established for just one purpose: to make money.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Lead By Example Professor!!!
January 11, 2009 - 10:12 ET by flyingmonkeyDoes anybody believe that Mr. Pilgrim would take a cut in pay so more people could afford college?
It's a good thing that the
January 11, 2009 - 10:14 ET by pitter43It's a good thing that the post unintelligencer is going out of business. If they'd printed news instead of liberal lies, that wouldn't have happened. We can only hope the L.A. Slimes will follow suit.
On occasion when I'm back
January 11, 2009 - 11:43 ET by DarkCurrentOn occasion when I'm back home in Seattle I pick up a copy of the PI to read while I eat my Ivar's fish-n-chips. It's a masochistic excercise since I know I'll be trying to shake the stupidity out of my head by the end of the meal. I guess I won't be able to do that anymore. What a shame.
Why is it that liberals, even esteemed professors of jounalism can't understand that 2 - 3 = -1?
I long ago stopped
January 11, 2009 - 17:22 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveI long ago stopped reading the P-I, but Ivar's is the one thing I do every time I am in the Seattle area, even if I don't do anything else (like visit my family).
"An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life." --Robert A. Heinlein, "Beyond This Horizon," 1942
Mom, is that you? Are you
January 12, 2009 - 13:14 ET by DarkCurrentMom, is that you? Are you still mad that I went to Ivar's 2 days before I let you know I was in town last time?
Another sad, aging Hippie
January 11, 2009 - 13:37 ET by RR GOPAnother sad, aging Hippie who knows his ticker could give out any moment thanks to all those drugs he did back in the '60s and '70s so this need to hurry up and take advantage of the ascendancy of the Communists in the MSM, politics, economics and business along with the maturation of the internet-and spew forth his propaganda and reach wider audiences than ever...before it's too late!
I think the main reason these guys became professors is not unlike the reason many guys started rock bands...to get the chicks.
Now they're bored with that and return to their ancient neo-Marxist ideologies so that they won't feel their lives were a total waste.
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
→ Right GOP
January 11, 2009 - 13:41 ET by Cool ArrowAnd in the same way he can't remember that a job should be somehow connected with earning a living, scientific advances such as Viagra are lost on him because he can't quite remember why he takes it.
All he remembers is that his old VW Microbus also had a standard shift.
pilgim and modo
January 12, 2009 - 15:37 ET by east tennessee johnAs the NYT sinks into the East River perhaps the good professor can contact MoDo and offer her a "position" It just maybe a new form of "Pillgram's Progress" "A girl can dream can't she ?"