The Decline of Editorial Cartooning in the Print Industry
NEW YORK (AP) — Last week, the McClatchy newspaper chain laid off three Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonists, marking a significant blow to the dying art form in the struggling print industry. The firings of Jack Ohman from California’s Sacramento Bee, Joel Pett from the Lexington Herald-Leader in Kentucky, and Kevin Siers from the Charlotte Observer in North Carolina served as a stark reminder of the decline of opinion content in newspapers.
The abrupt layoffs took the artists by surprise, with Ohman expressing his stupefication at the decision. McClatchy, which owns 30 U.S. newspapers, announced that it would no longer publish editorial cartoons due to changing reader habits and a focus on providing local news and information. This decision reflects a general trend away from opinion content in print media.
Editorial cartooning has a rich history, with notable artists like Thomas Nast and Herbert Block leaving their mark on the art form. However, the number of editorial cartoonists has dramatically decreased over the years. At the start of the 20th century, there were approximately 2,000 editorial cartoonists employed at newspapers, but now there are fewer than 20, according to estimates by Jack Ohman.
The decline in editorial cartoonists is further exemplified by the fact that the last full-time editorial cartoonist to win a Pulitzer was Jim Morin in 2017. Since then, the Pulitzers have broadened the category in which cartoonists can compete, renaming it “Illustrated Reporting and Commentary.”
The impact of a well-executed cartoon is immediate and relatable, making it a powerful form of communication. However, experts suggest that economic factors and a reluctance to provoke readers contribute to the dwindling number of cartoonists. Many newspapers are already struggling to retain readership, and the fear of angering them further plays a role in the decision to reduce or eliminate cartoon content.
Joel Pett, one of the laid-off cartoonists, found himself embroiled in a controversy with Daniel Cameron, Kentucky’s attorney general and a Republican candidate for governor. Cameron accused Pett of being a race-baiter in his cartoons and called for his firing. Pett believes that his dismissal was influenced by these accusations, as his bosses had given him guidelines to follow when depicting Cameron.
The decline of editorial cartooning is not limited to McClatchy. Gannett, the nation’s largest chain with over 200 newspapers, reduced the frequency of opinion pages last year, citing low readership and a lack of interest. With the availability of online opinion platforms, readers have more options for accessing national issues, leading to a decline in the demand for opinion content in newspapers.
While some attribute the decline to a crisis of newspapers failing to connect with their communities, others argue that there is less appetite for political satire and a growing preference for inoffensive, humorous cartoons. The industry is grappling with these challenges as it strives to adapt to changing reader habits and financial constraints.
In conclusion, the recent layoffs of Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonists highlight the decline of the art form in the struggling print industry. The shift away from opinion content, changing reader habits, and economic factors have contributed to the dwindling number of cartoonists. The industry faces the challenge of connecting with readers and meeting their evolving preferences while navigating financial constraints.
Original Story at www.usnews.com – 2023-07-16 19:27:00
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