Short fiction in newspapers?

Publishers Weekly reports that the Rocky Mountain News has decided to start publishing fiction in its newspaper. Specifically, original short stories. See story here.

On the surface, fiction might seem no more out of place in a newspaper than comics or the Jumble. And let’s not forget that Charles Dickens and others helped boost newspaper readership back in the day with serial novels.

But that’s when there was excess space to fill. These days, with, less and less news in newspapers, do you think this is a good use of precious space? Or is it a wise way to attempt to bring readers back into the fold?

Side question: Honestly, when was the last time you read a short story that wasn’t a school writing assignment?

And what would you like to see in your daily newspaper that isn’t there?

Your thoughts?