Monitoring the Monitor

"The method of delivery and format are secondary."

Mary Trammel, Editor in chief 

Christian Science Publishing Society. 

Citing the "rapidly changing media landscape," the Christian Science Monitor will become the first major newspaper to give up the daily printing press in favor of the Web. 

In an announcement October 28, Monitor executive editors announced the paper will shift to a "Web-based strategy" in 2009 and will offer weekly print and daily email subscriptions.They unveiled their new look in a multimedia slideshow.

This news makes sense since the Monitor has a national audience, which might be more interested in getting its news online than in paper. Unlike USA Today, the Monitor isn't available on every corner and for many people, by the time the paper arrives in the mail, it's old news. 

Because the Monitor is a cornerstone of the Christian Science religion, it also has a loyal niche of followers. Their bottom line isn't just about making money, either, unlike most mainstream newspapers. 

Still, their success (or lack therof) will be watched by most dailies.