I have to say that as an ex full time and paid up (but not much) journalist I am saddened by the closure of the News of the World. Assuming it is not a cynical shut and re brand/rebound then some very good and dedicated journalist types will be out of a much needed job.
For me the saddest part is that its another nail in the coffin for the UK's respect for it's excellent journalism. The much maligned but undoubtedly effective BBC is having a tough time and the PCC struggles on to withhold 'standards' but what is the future if uncertain.

I hope that people remember that the national newspapers make up a tiny fraction of the actual journalism that happens in this country. The majority is actually local newspapers doing excellent work such as the Whitby Gazette and Northern Echo.

Sad times. As always the media creates its own myths and villains.

This post was written on a blackberry at 2am on a campsite in Islay. I may have had a whisky or two but you can be damn sure the poor staff of The News of the World need those sweet drams more than me