Press: Democracy in Minneapolis

Employees get a role in reshaping their newspaper

"You God damn tittering moron-you lousy stewbum ... You 're going to cover the hanging like I asked you!"

In such tones did Managing Editor Walter Burns make his wishes known to Reporter Hildy Johnson in that 1928 Broadway classic The Front Page. Generations of fire-breathing editors have embraced this persuasive management technique, but one news'executive is flirting with an unusual alternative: democracy. At the Minneapolis Star (circ. 226,828), rank-and-file editorial employees have been given an active role in deciding how to reshape their foundering evening...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!