Transcending Technology – Michael J. Russell

On Thursday, September 24, 2009 U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chair of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) will convene a hearing to examine the ongoing contraction in the U.S. newspaper industry, the economic impact of the changing media landscape, and the future of the industry at large. Over the past year, dozens of daily newspapers have shut down their presses creating a ripple effect through communities, having consequences for local economies, and removing a critical check on government accountability and corruption. Witnesses will discuss funding alternatives for the print media and the outlook for the industry.

The hearing is entitled, “The Future of Newspapers: The Impact on the Economy and Democracy,” and will take place Thursday, September 24, 2009 at beginning at 10:00 am EDT in room 210 of the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, DC.

About this post: The post below is my edited summary of John McCreary’s informative, unclassified/open source NightWatch Global Intelligence Update for 9/16/09. Updates by Country: Japan – Japan: Yukio Hatoyama, the longtime leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), was elected prime minister, The Associated Press reported 16 September. Parliament convened in a special session formally to select Hatoyama, who won 327 of the 480 votes in the lower house.

Broadband internet access presents consumers with a range of challenges and opportunities as the internet becomes a focal point for commercial transactions, social networking, and a host of activities pertaining to information gathering and exchange. E-commerce can save consumers time and money as they search out the best bargains from home. Online health care information can give users the wherewithal to ask better questions of their health care providers or seek support and advice from others in the face of a health care problem.