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| - Look in the dictionary (remember dictionaries? those books full of definitions of words?) under "consolidated" and you'll find New Times. Once upon a time, in the pre-Yelp/pre-Facebook era, New Times really did serve its purpose as a proverbial 'alternative newsweekly.' It was thicker than a phone book (remember phone books? those books...er, never mind). The point being, half of the pages were full-page ads for car stereo installs and a local movie theater chain - so you could help plan for the weekend. All their staff was local, and Phoenix had New Times, New York had Village Voice, LA had LA Weekly, and so on.
Oh, how times have changed. New Times circa 2012-2013 really doesn't seem like it's a viable 'alternative newsweekly' anymore. Their editorial bread and butter, as it were, is all Sheriff Joe - and...? Nothing else besides Sheriff Joe? That's really the only local content. I miss "The Bird" column that had more diverse local stories. I miss the pre-foodie 'Cap'n Dave' food sections. And in the Romney 'Women With Binders' era, I really miss their then-controversial coverage of the FLDS compound in Colorado City. It seems like they surrendered it all over to Gannett & AZ Central (the Arizona Republic.)
Time was, locals would look forward to Thursdays to get a New Times. Now, there really isn't that much gotta-read-it urgency anymore. Pick it up on Friday, on a Saturday, or a Sunday, and it's as "meh" as it gets.
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