I’ve been tracking the list of newspapers that are refusing to run this week’s Doonesbury, have moved it to their editorial page, or some other variation (dropping select dates; reprinting all of them this weekend, etc.). So far 57 papers have pulled the strips.
So the unasked question now is if Garry Trudeau has lost any papers permanently? According to Universal Uclick Vice President, Rights and Acquisitions John Glynn the answer is none. While Garry’s strip pushes the envelope on the comics page this week, the content isn’t too far out of line with what one would expect from a social/political commentary strip. Most of the objections cited by editors were regarding issues of taste and sensitivity. Due to Doonesbury’s fans, its history and reputation pulling the feature completely would be difficult at best.
Maybe Garry Trudeau should end/retire the Doonesbury strip before 2012 is over.
Darryl, why?
I don’t think “Doonesbury” will end soon. I don’t think I’ve ever heard signs of Garry Trudeau slowing down or anything. He’s only 63. He started “Doonesbury” when he was 22 and even though he can push buttons, I don’t think newspapers will drop him over an abortion strip or any other controversial topic.
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a hot button topic addressed on any comic strip since “For Better Or For Worse” had Lawrence become gay. That was in 1993. I don’t know how many newspapers didn’t want to run the gay storyline but I do remember both the Tampa Bay Times and Tampa Tribune running the gay storyline.
Doonesbury’s off the mark this week, but I’d miss it.
After checking updates, the newspaper count has hit the 70s.
https://dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2012/03/12/lists-of-newspapers-who-pulled-doonesbury-this-week/
We have one newspaper pull Doonesbury altogether this week. The Norman Transcript (OK) ran the Monday and Tuesday abortion strips but reader outcry has forced the paper to drop the strip for the remainder of the week. Looking at PressDisplay, the Transcript has replaced Doonesbury with Gil for the remainder of the week. Surprised they aren’t choosing to run the alternates.
http://normantranscript.com/extra/x1690517663/Doonesbury-not-available-in-print-this-week
Whew! I was afraid corporate ownership of newspapers had “downsized” all the good editors. At least there are still about 70 left…
Joe, how is that off the mark? If anything is on the mark right now that’s it. Hello?
You’re correct content-wise. An issue concerning life and death just doesn’t strike me as humorous and appropriate for the Funnies.