This article presents five vignettes, written by veteran journalists, that focus on the current and future state of journalism. Despite almost daily reports of media consolidation and newspaper layoffs, the journalists sound a cautionary but optimistic tone about the industry. They weigh in on everything from the threats to diversity to the future of how the news is delivered. These vignettes are: (1) "The Many Sides of Media Consolidation," by Kenneth J. Cooper; (2) "Coverage of American Indians Is Usually Wrong," by Rita Pyrillis; (3) "From Watchdog to Lapdog," by Ruben Rosario; (4) "Job Prospects Limited, But There With Right Skills," by Reginald Stuart; and (5) "Reinventing and Sustaining Journalism With New Media," by Elaine Zinngrabe. Graphics show (A) Minority Representation in the Newsroom by Race/Ethnicity and Job Category, 2007; and (B) Regional Comparison of Minority Newsroom Employment, 2007.