The year of 2000 was the tipping point for U.S. newspapers - the year growth slowed, and even started to recess, according to the Newspaper Association of America and Kubas.

Using figures in 1995 as the index base 100, U.S. GDP, retail sales, and newspaper ad revenue almost grew at the same pace, and reached about 135 in 2000. After 2000, the newspaper advertising revenue index started to lag behind against these of GDP and retail sales.

The newspaper advertising index decreased to about 120 in 2001. Though it nearly reached 140 in 2005, it eroded again in the past two years, and dropped to 130 in 2007.

On the contrary, retail sales grew almost as fast as the GDP, reaching 185 in 2007, only two points lower than the GDP, according to the NAA and Kubas.