In the life of newspaper defections, the AP is cutting member assessments by another $9 million in 2009. It already cut $21 million in fee reductions earlier this year. The move was triggered by
Tribune Company's notice that it might cancel AP services in 2010. 
The Columbus Dispatch also gave notice a week ago, joining the 
Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the 
Spokesman-Review
and the 
Bakersfield Californian.