Print gives way to pixels in New Orleans

JOURNALISTS in New Orleans have turned to the internet to communicate news to the local readers. The major local newspaper, the Times Picayune, did not put out a print edition yesterday, but instead continued to update its digital edition, NOLA.com.

Publication owners, Advance Publications, executives said they had no idea when the Times Picayune, New Orleans' hurricane-ravaged daily newspaper, will be back in print.

The newspaper was forced to an electronic version only version after it was forced to evacuate the newsroom and printing plant. The staff of journalists have been relying on satellite phones, blogs and the hospitality of colleagues.

With most regular telephones and cell phones rendered useless after the storm, Schlatter said the company was sending in satellite phones. Although cell phone users in the 504 area code have had difficulty placing and receiving calls, text messaging seems to continue to function.

In other news from the area, an organisation has been setup to provide temporary housing to those displaced by this natural disaster. You can find more information at http://www.openyourhome.com. µ