The writing is on the wall (and in this blog). The traditional news media is in decline and even the affable cuteness of Katie Couric can't stop it. So where are the citizens of the future going to get their information? Who is going to be the next Walter Cronkite who will keep them informed of the events impacting their world.

How about Bart Simpson? Or Lara Croft? Or maybe SpongeBob SquarePants?

According to a recent story in the Wall St. Journal, a new online show called "News at Seven" is allowing viewers to choose their news and their newscaster, too. This service utilizes an automated computer program to comb online news outlets and combine them with visuals from Google and YouTube to create personal newscasts for users who choose the topics they are most interested in. They can also select an avatar to deliver the news and the backgrounds they stand in front of.

Although this new news channel is in its infancy, imagine the possibilities. While you are at work all day, your own virtual news crew is assembling segments on topics that are specially chosen just for you. When you come home, you turn on the screen anytime you want and your handpicked avatar delivers these highly relevant stories in a style and tone customized for your eyes and ears. Maybe an animated Laker Girl tells you about the day in sports. Or a virtual Donald Trump relays the day's business news. Or maybe the newscaster looks just like you!

So in 50 years, we may not need Matt Lauer anymore becuase we will all have our own "Today" shows -- personalized just for us. The ratings might be low (an audience of one) but the whole world could be watching.