Final Word from Thursday, May 19, 2005
Much has been said about the tabloidization of the serious Czech press, but another trend is creeping up. Czech newspapers are almost becoming daily magazines, where straight news isn't the most important element. It's a global trend, as the internet, 24-hour news and the quick-read tabloids put the squeeze on serious papers. Czech dailies are devoting more space to such general-interest stories as "SuperStar" and the battle of the sexes. On some days, the leading serious paper, MFD, doesn't have a single real news story on its front page. Not even HN, the business paper, is immune. It gave its entire Page 2 to "Star Wars" today and often buries the biggest news in the back. Právo now has the leading internet news portal and often has the most straight news. It'd be ironic if the former Communist red rag became the only must read for the capitalist elite. [Czech Republic media MF Dnes Mafra Borgis Hospodářské noviny Economia TV Nova]