It may not be essential to save any particular news medium, including printed newspapers. What is paramount is preserving independent, original, credible reporting, whether or not it is popular or profitable, and regardless of the medium in which it appears.
Above from Leonard Downie, Jr. and Professor Michael Schudson in their long look at The Reconstruction of American Journalism. Among the continuing stream of narcissistic reports, this is seen as an important one.
I found the report worth skimming, but dull and not much new, except perhaps a push for public radio and TV to get more involved with local news reporting.
UPDATE:
An excellent critique of the report — Follow the Breadcrumbs — “mile-wide, inch-deep.”