PAGE ONE: INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES

Andrew Rossi’s fly-on-the-wall documentary, Page One: Inside the New York Times, summarises the challenges facing this iconic newspaper. It looks at the effects of Twitter and WikiLeaks, the changing expectations of readers, the newspaper’s research strategies and production process, as well as what it would mean for the world if the Times ceased to exist. It was always going to be a challenge to effectively analyse so many issues and unfortunately the result is choppy and hard to follow. The film provides little real insight into any of these numerous themes. It is partially saved by gaining access to some key players in the industry who provide a candid perspective on the experience of running a newspaper in such hard times. (ARG) **1/2