Leaders at national newspapers participated in a biting discussion over the future of print journalism on The Kalb Report on Monday night at the National Press Club.

The event, titled “Ink on the Brink: The Future of Print Journalism,” was moderated by Marvin Kalb, veteran reporter for CBS News. Panelists consisted of prominent members of print media, all of whom were asked about the business of journalism in the digital age.

“The title itself suggests that print journalism has a future,” Kalb said. “But what does that look like in 10 to 15 years?”

The hour-long discussion was dominated by questions about online media and other shifts in the sharing of information at major publications, including how upcoming changes will influence circulation and readership of newspapers.

David Hunke, president and publisher of USA Today, and Marcus Brauchli, executive editor of The Washington Post, both said they were trying to find ways to maintain readership by using mobile phones and trying to compete with online resources.

“We lost billions of dollars to Craigslist because we didn’t react fast enough to that,” Hunke said. “Quite frankly we are in trouble.”

“It’s obvious [The Washington Post] is getting thinner,” Kalb said.

Cynthia Tucker, a political columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, said she began blogging as an extension of her work. Her blog gives “the ability to connect immediately with readers,” and allows her to “see what readers have on their minds.”

The group also discussed online circulation, newspaper layoffs and the future of regional newspapers, some of which ceased publication during the recession.

“Without regional newspapers, a lot of cities would be in the dark about what’s going on in their state,” Tucker said.

While Kalb was asking whether or not reporters were increasingly losing work, an audience member interrupted, saying, “Yes, we are!”

“It’s more of a question of when does this country stop laying people off,” Hunke said. He added that, with the “explosion of digital platforms,” jobs are “shifting.”

Kalb also asked the panelists about the possibility of a government bailout for the newspaper industry. Anne Bagamery, senior editor of the International Herlad Tribune, said financial help from the government would be “crossing a line that should never be crossed,” and would disrespect the separation and balance of power.

Hunke also disagreed with the idea of a government bailout, saying, “I fear control.”

Despite the uncertain future of print journalism confronted during the discussion, panelists expressed zeal for their career and encouraged students hoping to break into the field.

“There are pockets of happiness in working with the young,” Bagamery said in reference to her interns. “It’s great proving grounds where you really learn your craft.”

“I am still in the business because I am thrilled to get up every morning and find out what’s going on in this world,” Tucker said.

Brauchli added that the focus of print media will remain consistent for new and old journalists alike.

“What drives our success most is doing good journalism,” Brauchli said. “You need to be a master of writing.”

The event was broadcast nationally on American Public Television.