Thomson Reuters / Blackstone Deal Highlights New Era Of Journalism

Blackstone’s recent $17 billion acquisition of Thomson Reuters financial-terminal business, the cash cow that paid for the financial burden of a news division, points to a historic paradox. While unbiased news coverage is vital for a democracy to survive – journalism is the only private enterprise mentioned in the constitution for a reason – the paradox is that, by itself, it is not self-sustaining. Or is there a new business model staring journalism right in the eye but they just need to think outside the box to see it?

Reuters News may have the opportunity to find a new business model, as a $10 billion payday that guarantees the news division $325 million a year for 30 years.

The revenue...