A question I'm often asked when people find out that I'm a newspaper editor is what this industry will look like in the future.

My short answer has generally remained unchanged through the years: "Honestly, I'm not sure." But the details that come next have evolved.

Even five years ago, I felt comfortable saying there will always be some form of a daily printed newspaper in most communities across the country. But the explosive growth in the use of digital hand-held devices - fueled by the dramatic improvements in technology - is creating a major shift in how people get their news and information. Lots of people are finding that a smartphone provides that same level of portability that so many of us love in a newspaper.

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