The main impact of the disappearance of local newspapers, I expect, will continue to be the growing vacuum of leadership in civic discourse. The Internet diffuses sources of information and opinion to the extent that it becomes easier and easier for a reader to allow him/herself exposure only to what matches his/her preferences or interests. This is true whether we're talking about "community calendar" type of reading, or editorial and opinion reading. The fact is that print journalism has rarely been able to combine economic viability with truly independent or objective editorial content. But the sources of financial and other support of news and opinion sites on the Internet can be completely hidden from the reading public, heightening the reach of demagoguery and disinformation. It will be interesting to see how the readership "market" winnows the wheat from the chaff, and the role of public subscription vs that of private commercial funding.