The Tribune is currently considering possible buyout offers, and the future of the very company -- and a serious portion of the future of the media in Chicago and nationally -- hangs in the balance.

While CMA has been justly critical of the Tribune and has acted in many ways against the Tribune, there are times to play nasty, but there are also times to play nice. And right now is one of those times.

Following the suggestion of one concerned citizen who wrote to CMA, I'd like to suggest a simple tactic but one with possibly profound implications for the future of the Tribune and of the future of the media -- writing letters of concern to the Tribune. Here's one I wrote as an example. It's profound because the Tribune is in a position it has never really been in, and may not be in again. We're in what's called a critical juncture in media issues. Acting now in a positive direction may have an impact greater in proportion than similar actions at other times.

Here's how you submit your letter to the Tribune board. (1) Go to this webpage. Call the third phone number on the list. (2) Ask for the email and/or the conventional mailing address of the corporate secretary of the Tribune company. (3) Send your email or printed letter to the corporate secretary, addressed to the Tribune board. (Yes, I know. I could just post the email at least directly here. But not sending people more spam is a bonafide good thing.)

The fight over media concentration, I think, is a big reason why Tribune implosion is happening. And speaking of media concentration, here's a shown-only-once video from Saturday Night Live(!) about the very topic:

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