As Americans increasingly turn to the web for their news, small local newspapers are put in a difficult position. To survive, they must innovate, either by transitioning their content online, or by providing unparalleled community-targeted content. The alternative is to merge with a larger paper - assuming that antitrust laws would not impede such a merger.

Soon, there may be another option, as introduced by Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.) earlier this week. Under the proposal, failing newspapers would be given the option to file for non-profit status. Tax-exempt papers would not be allowed to endorse specific politicians, but could still report on campaigns and elections.

This is of course another example of political pragmatism - resorting to any and all means to help specific groups at the expense of others. By offering tax-exempt status to certain newspapers, and tax-deductions to their contributors, this bill would put successful newspapers - those that did innovate - at a competitive disadvantage.

While some may champion this as a move towards objectivity in journalism, it should be obvious that it is only delaying the inevitable. For those newspapers that have no interest in remaining competitive through innovation, they will - and should - fail.