Are traditional news media losing influence as new communications channels provide politicians direct access to citizens?

Pignanelli: "Numerous politicians have seized absolute power and muzzled the press. Never in history has the press seized absolute power and muzzled the politicians." — David Brinkley. If "traditional" is defined as reliant on distributing through dead trees and without a robust Web site, then bereavement for such a newspaper is imminent (or past, i.e. Rocky Mountain News). Prominent bloggers, cable news and Internet-exclusive journalism (i.e. Huffington Post) are now major players. However, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and other publications remain viable sources for decisionmakers. The larger question is whether journalism, especially investigative reporting, remains alive in the 21st century? It may suffer in the short-term, but the market abhors a vacuum, and organizations and entities will fill it.

Webb: The major news media, locally and nationally, still set the agenda, reach more people than alternative media, and maintain significant, but declining, influence. Smart politicians today can readily bypass the traditional media and communicate directly to audiences important to them. Traditional media no longer enjoy the privilege of filtering most political communications. One example: You can now closely follow the Legislature without ever looking at a newspaper or turning on a radio or TV. Legislative committee and floor sessions are broadcast directly over the Internet. Bloggers, interest groups and legislators themselves provide a wide variety of commentary and coverage of legislative issues. On the Legislature's sophisticated Web site, you can read legislation, monitor agendas and receive alerts on bills of interest to you. The information business is fragmented as never before, and myriad communications channels exist.

Who are Utah's most feared/hated political reporters?

Pignanelli, Webb: It depends on who got skewered, by whom and when. On the broadcast side, Rod Decker (KUTV) is the granddaddy of all and can still foster trepidation when he calls. Chris Vanocur (KTVX) and John Daly (KSL) can stir grumbles, especially with stories on lobbyist/legislator relations. Richard Piatt (KSL) is known for tough questioning but is well-liked.