Newspaper editors optimistic despite downs

WASHINGTON, July 21 (UPI) -- Most U.S. newspaper editors remain generally optimistic about the future despite newsroom budget and staff cuts, a survey indicates.

Shifts to Internet editions and new video and other hi-tech reporting techniques offered hope to 259 editors surveyed by the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism. But the study released Monday also found that more is disappearing than being added to newspaper coverage, including foreign and national news, and even business news.

Staff cutbacks have been felt at 82 percent of major newspapers nationwide with most expecting further layoffs. Editors say the infusion of new blood from younger journalists has brought new competitive energy, but the loss of veteran journalists, along with their talent, wisdom and institutional memory was also described as the single greatest loss.

Describing changes in their newsrooms, editors use words like, "exciting," "extraordinary," "nerve-wracking" and "tumultuous."