In the lull before inauguration I’m taking today and Monday to say some things about the media.

First – and I know as a columnist this may sound self-serving – newspapers must be saved. As aggravating as some of them can be, they represent an important foundation in American history and the shaping of opinions. Too many conservatives have dropped out in disgust and no longer subscribe to their local paper. That is a mistake.

Now is a perfect time to engage newspaper publishers and editors and tell them what would make you subscribe again. If they respond with more balanced coverage – not all conservative coverage, but balanced – then tell them they will have won your allegiance and you will subscribe again. They can start by taking my column, if they don’t already. If they do, thank them. Editors are cutting content to save money and some have canceled me. We can’t complain about media bias and not support conservatives they do carry, or might carry.

Newspapers must survive. If they don’t, the politicians will think they can do what they want. That ought to frighten us all. Save newspapers!

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.