Gov. Bill Ritter called it “a very, very sad day.”
Ritter was speaking to newspaper executives at a luncheon Thursday at the Governor’s Mansion when someone in the audience delivered news that the Rocky Mountain News was closing.
“We’re losing a Colorado icon,” the Democratic governor said. “We’re losing a newspaper that has helped create history.”
Ritter expressed dismay over the crumbling state of the newspaper industry, saying blogs with anonymous contributors are no substitute for reporters and editors whom public officials know by name and can actually contact.
“I hope that my children find a way to get the news,” the governor said.
Many of those gathered for the Colorado Press Association’s 131st annual luncheon wore glum faces after hearing the news of the Rocky’s closing.
“It’s like losing a member of your family,” said Ed Otte, executive director of the Colorado Press Association. “The competition between The Post and Rocky has always been healthy for the state, not just the Denver metro area.”
