There is good work being done by internet writers. For example, Radley Balko's stories have gotten more than one corrupt prosecutor fired. His efforts at exposing phony forensic experts in Mississippi could lead to many freed innocent men:
I've rarely seen newspapers conduct that kind of journalism, especially on the national level. Another example: Balko has been almost single-handedly raising awareness about the death and violence that occurs from the military-style raids that many police departments use to arrest suspects of non-violent crimes. I haven't heard any newspapers tracking that story:
http://reason.com/blog/show/131954.html
I've rarely seen newspapers conduct that kind of journalism, especially on the national level. Another example: Balko has been almost single-handedly raising awareness about the death and violence that occurs from the military-style raids that many police departments use to arrest suspects of non-violent crimes. I haven't heard any newspapers tracking that story:
http://www.cato.org/raidmap/
This website has exposed more corrupt police practices than any newspaper I know about:
http://www.theagitator.com/
But regardless, the death of the newspaper is going to cause a lot of change in our society. Not all the costs will be easily dealt with.