US papers 'safe' despite crisis

American newspaper companies have been skipping loan payments, missing financial targets in debt agreements and accepting higher interest rates in exchange for more flexibility... but don't expect massive sales or closures. Few investors are willing or able to buy them while lenders are loath to force companies to liquidate assets that are plunging in value. They have few alternatives but to help newspapers stay on track with their payments and hang on until ad prospects improve - if they ever do. (Via Editor & Publisher)