On June 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held its third and final in a series of workshops addressing the “Future of the News Media in the Internet Age.” Panelists from a broad range of industry, academia and public interest groups addressed policy proposals in a series of moderated panels and roundtable discussions. The FTC began this proceeding late last year in response to concerns that traditional journalism in the United States was on the decline.

The FTC released a discussion draft last month that generated several press reports. FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz and Commissioner J. Thomas Rosch both spoke at the event, and repeatedly stated the draft was not to be construed as an official position of the FTC, but rather a compilation of the ideas as submitted by members of the public.

Chairman Leibowitz commenced the event by noting that journalism is undergoing major changes. With the growing popularity of the Internet and increase of news sites, bloggers and interactive news, he said many traditional media outlets have cut staff in an effort to minimize costs.

Participants in the day-long workshop addressed concerns with the viability of journalism in the digital age. Specifically, they focused on whether proposals to alter copyright and antitrust law would generate benefits for journalism, which of the proposals might foster journalism, what kind of changes to tax or corporate law could be made in order to benefit journalism and what types of changes will help to lower the overhead costs of journalists. There were a variety of reactions from the panelists, ranging from more government involvement and subsidization of journalism, to a hands-off approach by the government, focusing on industry directed solutions.

Although the roundtable was promoted as an initial discussion, it is clear that many in government, academia and media are deeply concerned with the continued sustainability of traditional journalism.

For more information about the workshop, including a recorded webcast, click here.