Rural papers might be safe from industry trend, but it depends on what their markets are like

"Publishers in small and medium communities largely think they are safe from the readership and advertising declines that are eating away at most metro newspapers. Are they? Yes, no and maybe," Alan Mutter asks and answers on his widely respected news-media blog, Reflections of a Newsosaur. Because each market is different, "There is no one-size-fits-all answer," Mutter writes, then lays out considerations that apply regardles of the circumstances. This is good reading not only for media people, but for anyone who appreciates the value of robust news media in a rural community. Some of the  comments are also illuminating. (Read more)