The Newspapers & Technology staff is ready to go on the road as I write this in mid-February. Some are headed to Orlando, Fla., site of this year’s NAA Marketing Conference. I’m going to Costa Mesa, Calif., where the Metro Users Group is ready to hold its 40th annual meeting.

It’s a tale of two shows.

One reflects the new face of newspapers in 2008, merrily showing off its blogs, its wikis, its social networks yearning to be free.

Chuck Moozakis, Editor-In-Chief
Newspapers & Technology Magazine

The other showcases the traditional, the legacy Big Iron that’s secured this industry for decades.

One says that in order for the newspaper industry to survive, it has to break loose of its historical binds and boldly embrace new media models shaping today’s communications world.

The other says that without the sturdy foundation the printing press provides, there will be no newspapers left to embrace anything.

One is “Minority Report,” with Tom Cruise and portable electronic gadgets displaying an ever-changing front page of USA Today.

The other is “Deadline USA,” with Humphrey Bogart and the roar of the presses coming to life as editor Bogart yells into mob boss Tomas Rienzi’s ear, “That’s the press, baby, the press. And there’s nothing you can do about it. Nothing.”

One is a $300 videocamera from a local retailer and an evaluation version of multimedia editing software.

The other is a multimillion-dollar commitment for machines, concrete and steel.

One is an explosion of senses, of sound and sight intertwined.

The other awaits quietly, inviting lingering introspection.

One is as fleeting as a summer breeze.

The other is as tangible as a mountain.

Both need each other to survive.

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The big news last month, of course, was the (New York) Daily News’ decision to upgrade its press infrastructure and buy three presses from Koenig & Bauer AG. Publisher Mort Zuckerman said the multimillion-dollar investment reflects his commitment to the Daily News and to the future of the printed product.

“The Daily News has served this city for almost 90 years and I am determined that its future as New York’s leading newspaper should be secure,” he said in a statement.

We, of course, applaud Zuckerman’s allegiance to the paper, and to the newspaper industry overall. There’s enough talk about cutbacks and reductions. It’s good to see something that’s a sign of growth.