It is pretty obvious to investors that the Internet has accelerated the decline in print newspaper readership. It is also clear that the Internet is contributing to business model changes (and in many cases outright news/editorial budget reductions) at print magazines.

However, that the Internet would also compel changes in broadcast network news -- and in particular, the nightly network newscast -- might be viewed as less obvious. But that, in fact, appears to be the case.

Already dealing with a cable/satellite channel explosion that's decreased their viewership due to audience fragmentation (basically people have more channel choices), network news now must increasingly cope with the reality that adults tuning in have already seen and/or read about on the web the day's top news stories by the time the nightly newscast airs.

The Internet, or its latest version known as Web 2.0, is still too young to make any sweeping statements (also known as informed conclusions) about its impact on print U.S. newspapers.

Still, we know that newspaper readership among adults - - and among young adults ages 18-25 in particular - - decreased after the Internet came into being.

But here's a little fact you rarely hear about: newspaper readership was declining even before the Internet started transforming businesses and lives in the 1990s.

That said, it is clear that some newspapers will not survive as the Internet progresses. Further, almost all will have to substantially modify their print business models to remain viable. Many, if not most, will have to specialize in some way, or otherwise develop some niche, to retain utility.

Verizon Wirless Thursday agreed to pay $21 million to settle a lawsuit filed by California customers upset with the company's early termination fees, the Associated Press reported.

Details are still pending, but Alan Plutzik, Alameda County (California) Superior Court judge said "we are recovering cash" that would "be available" to Verizon mobile phone subscribers who paid fees to end their contracts early, AP reported.

Shares of Verizon Wireless' parent Verizon (NYSE: VZ) were virtually unchanged on the news, dipping just 8 cents $34.58 in mid-day Thursday trading.

Warranted reimbursement or California dreamin'?

Stock analyst C. Leonard Bauer told BloggingStocks Thursday that, while he abhors cell phone / PDA termination fees as many others do, thinking that mobile phone / phone service providers can eliminate the $100-$250 fee without increasing charges elsewhere does not represent clear thinking.

Readers of this space know that the investment bias is toward large-cap companies with demonstrated business models and a competitive advantage in established markets, preferably with a favorable global trend as a support. With this in mind, Intel is worth an evaluation.

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is the world's largest semiconductor maker, as measured by revenue and unit shipments, and is the dominant microprocessor manufacturer for personal computers.

In general, analysts expect F2008 revenue to increase 5-7%, after an 8% increase in F2007. The conventional wisdom in semiconductor analysis land now suggests that smaller/more-portable computer forms and media-rich PDAs will drive strong PC and PDA microprocessor sales.

Further, Intel remains the leader in next-generation chip technology, and its product mix remains superior. Gross margins should increase, as a result of lower unit costs and improved plant utilization. Also, high-performance chip prices should increase noticeably.

Readers of this space know that the investment bias is toward large-cap companies with demonstrated business models and who have a competitive advantage in established markets, preferably with a favorable global trend as a support. But every once in while an exception is made for a non-conforming but innovative/promising company, and along this line Skyworks looks attractive. (Note: Skyworks is only for investors who can tolerate high-risk.)

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWKS) is a leading supplier to major mobile phone/PDA manufacturers.

Analysts really like Skyworks' radio frequency and manufacturing expertise, which enables the company to secure design wins with existing and new customers.

Skyworks, which began as a defense contractor, makes its integrated circuits out of gallium arsenide, a material that performs at higher speeds and with less energy consumption than the sector standard, silicon.

As the nation and international markets move toward a world in which more information is available on mobile devices, look for Sierra Wireless to play an important role.

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) develops modems that enable PCs, notebook computers, and vehicles to communicate wirelessly.

Analysts really like Sierra's AirCard line of PC cards, which are designed for networks using the CDMA and GSM/GPRS wireless standards, and account for about 70% of the company's revenue.

Analysts also like the fact that Sierra was selected the most-preferred brand in wireless data cards segment, according to a poll by InfoTech. A solid North American client base adds to the mix. The Reuters F2008/F2009 EPS consensus estimates for SWIR are $1.39/$1.54.

The risks? Analysts are keeping an eye on Sierra's pricing decisions. Given competition, some price reductions could occur, but these must be minor to preserve SWIR's margins.

Stock Analysis: Sierra Wireless is a moderate-risk stock not suitable for low-risk investors. Investors with an investment horizon longer than 2 years should be rewarded from SWIR's shares. Sell / Stop Loss if you were to purchase shares in this company: $8.

Disclosure: Lazzaro has no positions in stocks. In addition to private real estate holdings, he owns corporate and municipal bonds, and cash certificates of deposit.

The new product turnaround at Motorola (NYSE: MOT) may already be crippled. One analyst, quoted by Bloomberg said, "The Razr 2 didn't set the world on fire and it won't be a phenomenon like the original one."

The cause of Motorola's problem with its newest product may be the Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone, which appears to have sold more than two million units in the last quarter of 2007.

While the RAZR2 may be a better product than its predecessor, Apple, Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Samsung and Sony Ericsson have all introduced similar products to take advantage of the high-end multimedia handset space. Motorola may be squeezed out of a market it helped create.

With its shares trading just above $13, near a 52-week low, a weak fourth quarter earnings report could take the stock much closer to $10.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

Imagine a global cell phone network. Now imagine a global cell phone network for a low monthly fee.

True, a system of that sort is not likely to happen overnight, but a company that's headed in that direction is United Kingdom-based Vodafone Group Plc (NYSE: VOD).

Vodafone Group is the world's leading mobile telecommunications company, with a substantial presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia/Pacific and the United States.

Along with VOD's strong balance sheet and solid dividend, analysts like Vodafone Wireless, the company's most profitable division, which contributes 22% of operating earnings. About 80% of VOD's revenue is Europe-based, a maturing market, so VOD has beefed-up its emerging market expansion plan with asset purchases in India and Turkey.

As investors/readers know, in this market, all stock pullbacks are not alike. Some signal a company's misfortune; others, the end of a growth cycle.

Then there are those companies with solid fundamentals who experience a healthy pullback after a substantial price gain. Put Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE: NOK) in the latter category.

In this case Nokia's pullback from about $42 to the $38-$39 range follows an impressive gain from about $28, with recent stock market choppiness undoubtedly contributing to the sell-off. Caution would typically prevail here regarding a communications equipment provider but Nokia's positives are so impressive, the stock is worth a review, for moderate-risk investors.

Nokia's major positives: double-digit revenue growth in 2007, and likely double-digit revenue growth in 2008 (despite an expected decline in average handset prices), economies of scale, a solid presence in Europe, strong positions is China and India, and a +45% market share in the high-end handset segment, globally.

Analysts estimate Nokia's mobile device shipments will increase 12%-16% in 2007, with a 37%-39% market share of the 1.1 billion devices in use; analysts see that market share increasing to about 40% in 2008. The Reuters F2007/F2008 EPS consensus estimates for NOK are $1.95 to $2.24.

The risks? A global economic slowdown would certainly hurt NOK's results, the company is facing pricing pressure in a variety of handset categories, and then there's the competition from that high profile / high-end device: Apple, Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL)'s iPhone.

But keep in mind that not everyone will buy (or need) a $399 iPhone, and that fact, combined with Nokia's modest p/e of 15, tips the risk/reward needle in favor of a purchase of NOK's shares.

The First Call mean rating for NOK is: Buy. [27 firms.] Mean 2008 target: $43.10. [high: $51, low: $36.50.]

Stock Analysis: Nokia is a moderate-risk stock not suitable for low-risk investors. Investors with an investment horizon longer than 2 years should be rewarded from NOK's shares. Sell / Stop Loss if you were to purchase shares in this company: $24.

Technology is getting more and more complex, but at the same time, amazing technological benefits are available to us average Joes without too much fiddling around. That is what this column will be covering. Every Monday, right here at BloggingStocks.com, I'll feature an easy-to-use hack, gadget or service that really can make your life better. Geeks, technophiles and early adopters have plenty of other places to look for hot new technologies to try. Here you'll find technology for the rest of us.

There's a new computer-based bug in the works that could threaten to cause computers to hiccup slightly here in just a week. It's being called the mini-Y2K, and it has to do with the fact that computers are going to be unprepared for the new daylight savings time shift on the 11th. This means your clock, PDA, computer, laptop, DVR or whatever else has a time-keeping chip in it could be at risk for this blip of a bug.