Brian Burnell, NECN: Bristol, CT (December 6, 2008) - We've seen billions of tax dollars go to bailout some businesses, while others go down without notice. Consider newspapers. Across the country they are closing down.

Connecticut is a small example of a big problem. More than a dozen papers in the state are in danger of closing next month.

Historically, newspapers have played a very important role in this country. But in recent years, newspapers have fallen on hard times. First it was television news, and now the internet has led to falling advertising revenues. Many newspapers across the country have cut staff, and other costs, as they fight to stay in business. Others, have simply closed.

In Connecticut, the Journal Register Company has told employees at eleven small weekly papers, and two daily's, that they will close on January 12th, unless a buyer is found.

Lawmakers from the affected towns, met with state economic development officials, to discuss how the state might help keep the papers publishing.

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