I mentioned on Twitter the other day that something like 98% of my favorite entertainment/movie industry writers right now worked for magazines and newspapers. So I thought I’d expand on that here and answer the question of who those writers are and who they’re writing for.

Aris Georgiadis and Andrew Hampp – AdAge: These two guys write some of the best examinations of how brands are intersecting with Hollywood. Whenever I see new stuff with their names attached I’m sure to read the story not only because those stories are sure to be interesting but also because they can just flat out write. Yes, they have to work within the system of “editors” and other such Old Media nonsense (I kid) but, as is often the case, their stories are stronger for it. Just stellar stuff that is obviously right in the sweep spot of my interest areas.

John Horn, Patrick Goldstein, Joe Flint and Ben Fritz – Los Angeles Times: With so many amateurs trying so hard to appear as knowledgeable of the movie industry, it’s players and machinations, these guys prove what real reporting is. All are good writers, but what you get from them is more in-depth reporting that’s based on years of working the phones and building a contact list. What’s amazing is that while opinions clearly come out – especially on the blogs from the LAT – they never give in to the tendency of some to go all-snark or just get mean and vindictive.

Anne Thompson – IndieWire, Karina Longworth – LA Weekly: My love of both these women’s writing is well documented and so let’s suffice it to say they continue to earn that every time they publish.

So what does it say that most all these folks draw paychecks from traditional news organizations? It means that talent is still prized by those organizations and that they’re thriving. Which is good considering too many people with well-read blogs can’t write decently to save their life.