How to Save Newspapers

Let social-studies types debate political bias. Just as insidious and more overlooked is a kind of class and lifestyle bias. Newspapers perpetuate an illusion that critics present a balanced view because their reactions range from love to hate. But here’s the bias: They’re all shilling for the area they’re reviewing. In general, the flim critic loves film, the food critic extols dining, sports writers love sports. But where’s the other side? Not everyone enjoys pate or Brahms or cars or video games. In fact, for almost any given opinion, more readers probably disagree, or couldn’t care less. Bet they’d find it refreshing to occasionally turn the tables. Have a Low-Brow Brigade of readers visit the fanciest restaurant, the orchestra and ballet. And get reports from a High-Brow Coterie on bars, tailgating, Disney on Ice, and other declasse offerings. If done with a sense of humor, a regular series of such reports could be a hoot, sparking lively discussion, and appreciation from those whose points of views are rarely represented.