Outsourcing jobs to places such as India has decimated many once-proud American industries, from steel workers to computer-chip makers.

But even with all the dark forces battering journalism today, we knew we reporters were at least safe from having our jobs outsourced.

Until now.

The PasadenaNow.com news Web site has hired two reporters from India to cover city government in Pasadena, Calif.

Editor and publisher James Macpherson told The Associated Press he sees no problems in hiring reporters based in India to cover a community across the world, noting the City Council meetings can be watched on the Internet.

“Whether you’re at a desk in Pasadena or a desk in Mumbai, you’re still just a phone call or e-mail away from the interview,” Macpherson said.

Well, I guess.

I gotta admit the publisher got a deal. Both reporters together will cost him just $20,000 a year. And no worries about vacations, health benefits, workers comp insurance, or even buying the guys desks, chairs and computers.

And their production will be exceptional. They’re expected to each produce 15 stories every week.

I’ve barely written that many stories since the start of the year.

Journalism purists are decrying the outsourcing, noting that “community journalism,” by definition, means a reporter lives, walks the streets and talks to and understands the people in the community.

The outsourcing critics say covering a community thoroughly means more than watching a video of a meeting and e-mailing sources you’ve never met in a town you’ve never been to.

But who knows, it might work.

Readers, public officials and business leaders often complain we reporters just look for controversy and debate and don’t write enough about the positive things. Maybe someone from a developing country would have a better outlook.

I think The Free Press should try it — hire an Indian reporter to cover local government, the police, business.