• The New York Times, Tuesday, June 10, 2008 9:15 AM

In a reaction to Tribune chief Sam Zell's announcement that the Los Angeles Times and other Tribune papers have too many pages and not enough productive reporters, The New York Times wonders if he might be right. "Is a thinner, flashier, more local newspaper with a smaller newsroom the best financial model for a struggling industry?"

Analyst John Morton says no. When papers diminish their product to cut costs and preserve unrealistic profits, they diminish their print and online brand. "It's a strategy, basically, of gradually closing down," he says.

Conversely, Allen H. Neuharth, former chief of Gannett, says yes. "Most readers consume a small fraction of what the newspaper produces. You can give them stuff they want, even though there's less overall."

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