On Deadline was compiled and edited by Mark Mahoney, editorial page editor of The Post-Star in Glens Falls, N.Y. If you have an innovations or inspiration you'd like to share with American Editor readers, please e-mail it to Mark at mahoney@poststar.com.

Spring 2009 Moving on Lessons from across the pond Go jump in a lake Re-gifting Unflattering portrayal Freedom of speech debate Blame it on the kid Super Bummer Business model Aren’t we non-profit already? Sun still not shining Fewer statehouse reporters

FULL-TIME NEWSPAPER REPORTERS covering state capitols in the United States declined by 32 percent in the past six years, the American Journalism Review found.

A 2009 survey of state government coverage found 355 reporters covering the state capitols; 524 were counted in 2003. The survey said 44 states indicated a net decrease in full-time reporters, four states had the same number and two states actually showed a net increase. Online startups are trying to fill the gap, but it remains uncertain how successful they will be. Full details can be found at www.ajr.org.

The AJR, published by the University of Maryland Foundation, is a national magazine that covers all aspects of print, television, radio and online media.

The magazine's 1998 survey, funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, showed a sharp decrease over a 10-year period. There were 513 reporters covering the 50 state capitols at that time.*