Formalizing media's partnership with government, similar to what already exists in baseball

The US government is now considering how to save newspapers. Underlying this is the theory that journalism is inherently good, not your average commodity. Formalizing a government relationship however makes claims of journalistic independence more remote than ever, no matter what the method, ie tax breaks, anti-trust rules, or the vast wealth of tax-exempt (sorry, 'non-profit') contributions. A media advocate argues government 'doing nothing' is not an option, as it might result in a lack of 'robust journalism' in America.

• This makes as much sense as George Bush saying he "had to abandon free market principles to save the free market system."

It's similar in baseball, ie, there is no independent baseball press.

• They will not report serious problems within MLB itself even though it's a monopoly and desperately needs someone
  
• not afraid of losing his career to report on it. No one will.
  

Worst of all is the baseball writers' corrupt awards system, the BBWAA. Post season league awards are decided by the person who appoints the voters--not by the votes themselves. Same as in jury selection. Verdicts are often decided in selection of jurors--not the facts in the case. Politics and manipulation over merit. Why is Jack O'Connell still appointing voters after all these years?

• The only other people who care about the subject--young baseball writers who aren't yet in BBWAA, and lastly baseball bloggers--would give anything to be in the BBWAA themselves.