The Press: The Herald's Agony

In terms of quantity at least, Boston is the nation's best town for morning newspapers. Excluding the Christian Science Monitor, which is not truly a local paper, readers can choose among the sprightly Globe (circ. 240,163), the stodgy Herald Traveler (192,129) and the tabloid Record American (369,873). But they may not have long to treasure that choice, for the Herald Traveler is fighting for its life.

For much of its 125-year history, the Herald was the bible of Boston's Brahmins. Among the well-to-do, you weren't really married until the Herald took note, and you never advertised anywhere else to sell a house...