Questions: Paul Starr describes the news as a "public good."  What does he mean by this concept and what function does he believe that newspapers have performed for our democracy?    Why does Starr not believe that radio, television and the web will do as good a job in serving the public good?  If Starr is correct in his views, what will the ending of the age of newspapers mean for American democracy?  Do you think that Starr is too pessimistic in his outlook? (If so, what does he overlook?)