In the transformation of the publishing industry and print journalism some see the rise of a new civic democracy. Others see the death of the fourth estate and perhaps the end of American democracy.

Writing in the Nation, John Nichols and Robert McChesney note that the disappearance of papers and reporters is ominous. Clay Shirky, in a widely circulated essay writes that, “If you want to know why newspapers are in such trouble, the most salient fact is this: Printing presses are terrifically expensive to set up and to run.” The digital revolution means that newspapers will disappear. The question is whether journalism will survive.

Today on GRITtv Nation writer John Nichols, Colin Robinson, a former senior editor at Scribner, and Paul Gillin the founder and editor of News Paper Death Watch discuss the future of publishing and print journalism.