Most national and local newspapers have recently taken steps to cut costs and try to increase revenues. The steps include cutting editions and charging for online news. They are just the latest in a series of changes as newspapers all over North America are feeling the pinch. Is it the tough economic times, or is it the fact that there are now so many other ways to get news, including online news sites, social media, RSS feeds, bloggers? With all these new options, people are getting used to not paying for news, and that hits newspapers more than most other sources.
For many decades newspapers have been at the centerof all newsgathering. It was the newspapers who paid for putting reporters' boots on the ground, all of whom fanned out and poked into everything happening in each community. The first serious competition came with the advent of that upstart TV, then of course came live 24 hour cable news, and more recently the Internet. But many online sources still rely on the strength of newspapers. They link to newspaper sites, to stories broken and written by newspaper reporters. And what's the first thing most broadcast news organizations do every morning? They check the newspapers.
So, if newspapers are in trouble, what happens to the rest of what has become a multi-faceted news gathering world? Who has the deep pockets to pay for long term stories, investigative work and quality political coverage involving deep knowledge of the history and structure of government? What about the consumers of news? Now that online surfers have become accustomed to getting their news for free, is it possible to erect paywalls and try to get some money out of those same people. Or will they simply move elsewhere?
So, if newspapers are in trouble, what happens to the rest of what has become a multi-faceted news gathering world? Who has the deep pockets to pay for long term stories, investigative work and quality political coverage involving deep knowledge of the history and structure of government? What about the consumers of news? Now that online surfers have become accustomed to getting their news for free, is it possible to erect paywalls and try to get some money out of those same people. Or will they simply move elsewhere?
I think that newspapers, magazines, and other forms of printed media are in serious trouble. People that want to know about an event or something like that can always use search engines or things like social to find out more about the event. Also, these things could be viewed anywhere and the user wouldn't have to carry a large paper or magazine with them everywhere they go. Also all they would need is a laptop or a smarthpone to access the information. The ability to search for things online has severely crippled the industry of printed media.
ReplyDeleteAlthough physical newspapers are becoming obsolete, I still think they may be worth printing. It may not be economical to produce them on a mass scale but I believe there will still be a demand for the physical paper. Though technology increases accessibility it also increase the liability of availability of the news. With the internet and technology being overflowed with information it may cause citizens to become less informed.
ReplyDeleteOverall I really enjoyed this article. I feel like the newspaper is not it dying business but it is an industry that definitely needs an overhaul. As someone who does not read the newspaper but very much so enjoys magazines I feel that there is worth in making newspapers more time efficient. We are in the age where time is everything and with that being said, the newspaper is losing. If use paper industries and presented a way to make physical copies of more time efficient but I feel that the newspaper itself would not die out. enjoyed this blog post a lot forward to seeing the newspaper industry evolve with the information age. Great read!
ReplyDeleteInteresting article. I believe as time progresses and it becomes easier to connect to each other, printed mediums will eventually die out and become somewhat of a facet for a subculture of people (like the elderly) within a larger internet based culture. I definitely believe that within the next two decades we will not rely on the newspaper for our news, and outside of our parents, grandparents etc. we, the new generation, will use our phones, watches, etc.
ReplyDeleteI liked this blog post. I think that we can still give the Newspaper a chance. Especially for those in the Golden Ages (ages 60-75+) who grew up with Newspaper and still long for it. My dad was in the Newspaper industry when it was really big, before technology played a role in delivering us the news and he said that it would be nice to see the Newspaper once again.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I receive the WSJ everyday at my door step and i can honestly say that its a waste. I spend most of my time reading the same article on my computer or my phone during my free time. I just think that its easier to access and to read less clutter and confusing than the physical paper. I don't think paper however should shut down completely they should look for new alternatives to keep the journalism market growing. The internet allows for a bigger audience and companies should find a way to capitalize on that.
ReplyDeletethis was a very good article. i really can relate to this article because when i was younger I use to read the comics and the kids news every morning before school. as digital media progressed our family stopped paying to receive the daily newspaper. everything i want to know or find about i can find in less than 5 minutes on the internet. i believe that in the next couple years major newspaper companies will take a hit.. eventually tp be gone for good
ReplyDeleteThis post raises a lot of questions that will need answers very soon. I believe that given the political ties, historic roots, and valued for of physical papers the news companies will always have a tangible place in American homes. Although the rise of internet news sources are coming along quickly and aggressively, they lack the general trust of the people/readers. Most things posted online is viewed as fiction and pragmatic. In addition, I believe that sources like the NY Times with proven trustworthiness to Americans will out perform other online news sources.
ReplyDeleteAs a proponent for sustainability I cannot say that I'm sad to see print media go. I was never a big newspaper or magazine reader but the effects these industries have on the Earth is significant. The future is in the Internet and if these companies can't figure out how to make a successful transition, adios!
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