ITHO: Nonprofit Newspapers — Not

The Maryland Democrat’s bill would change the tax code, allowing newspapers to become 501 (c)(3) nonprofits. Newspapers operating as nonprofits prompted a collective sad chuckle from newspaper employees. The way things have been going lately, many of us feel like we work for a business that does not make any money and might never again. … Cardin’s proposal is encouraging and intriguing but I am not convinced it is the answer. Newspapers that opt for the nonprofit model leave an opening for politicians to meddle and forfeit political endorsements, a vital component to a newspaper’s editorial voice and role in a community/ Ryan Blethen , Seattle Times. More here .

• Friday 4.10 /Unequivocal Notion
• Politics instead of potholes /Adam’s Blog
• Morality play: Pirates 1, President 0 /Free In Idaho!
• Lawmakers’ do-nothing stand gets old /Idaho Statesman
• Withers: Gonzaga’s Few continues to say no to top jobs /Seattle Times

Question: Would you rather newspapers continue to publish as nonprofits — or accept a bailout — and lose their political voice? Or in some cases close their doors?