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Look ahead to headline topics for 2009
Front Page Talking Points come from journalists, not futurists -- but you don't need a crystal ball to foretell at least a few subjects sure to make news this coming year. So as we prepare to change calendars, here's a look at some of what we're likely to read and talk about in 2009.
The economy, a top story in 2008, will remain a hot domestic and international topic. In Washington, the new president and Congress will focus on easing the impact of a year-old recession that has brought widespread layoffs, home losses and severe stock market declines. After his Jan. 20 inauguration, Barack Obama will urge lawmakers to pass an economic stimulus package that uses federal money to fix roads and bridges, upgrade rural Internet service and make other improvements that create jobs.
Another high-profile industry will continue painful public adjustments in 2009 to economic and technology forces reshaping a daily tradition -- local newspapers. The Tribune Co., owner of the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and six other dailies, recently filed for bankruptcy court protection. Newsroom staffs are being reduced around the country. Not all news in 2009 will be glum and gloomy, of course. This year's best movies will be honored with Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 11 and Oscars on Feb. 22 during televised presentations. Late-night TV show host Jay Leno moves to prime time in the fall with a talk show at 10 p.m. each weekday -- a bold programming move by NBC in response to changes in viewing patterns because of cable TV, video recorders and -- what else -- the Internet.
Front Page Talking Points is written by
Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2013
We welcome comments or suggestions for future topics: Click here to Comment Front Page Talking Points Archive►Federal safety board urges tougher drinking-and-driving cutoff limit to match other nations ►Northeast braces for noisy invasion: Flying cicada bugs return after hiding for 17 years ►U.S. military prison at Guantanamo, Cuba, remains a tricky problem for President Obama ►Doctors warn about serious health risks from 'The Cinnamon Challenge' video craze ►Earth Day on April 22 focuses attention on how we can protect the natural environment ►Thousands of past players take on the National Football League over brain injuries ►North Korean missile threats create concern and U.S. show of military force ►South Africa reflects on the huge legacy of Nelson Mandela, hospitalized at 94 ►They come from space: NASA seeks money to spot and deflect risks from large asteroids ►This 'March Madness' basketball tournament season is special – the 75th in history |
Look for coverage that recaps 2008 highlights in words and images, or previews local, state and wider-ranging issues for 2009.
At this reflective time, some columnists, editorial writers and bloggers count their blessings, their mistakes or their hopes. See if you can find an essay of this sort.
Share comments about 2008, wishes for 2009 or views about the value of newspapers in a mailed or electronic letter to the editor. 
On the economy: "There are reasons to be optimistic -- Obama's stimulus plan might work, the Federal Reserve's efforts to stabilize the financial situation could finally pay off. But there's a lot that could go wrong." -- Ben Steverman, Business Week magazine blogger