Newspapers are changing, just like the times. ...the headline reads in the 8/5/07 column of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. In former years, most of our information was gathered from newspapers, but not anymore. I was shocked to read Philip Martin admit in the State's oldest, largest and most widely respected daily that newspapers are dying. Martin believes that the trend is due to declining circulation and profitability, in part due to what he calls "post-literacy."
Newspaper's core readers are aging, and today, many of those who were staunch newspaper readers seldom, if ever, get their news from print. My wife Debbie and my parents excluded. It's part of their daily ritual to begin their morning, or an evening after work, with "the paper," scouring it from front to back. It can be said that newspapers reach the more affluent and better educated, but increasing numbers now opt to get their news online--or from FOX News. And as a result, the big newspaper groups have slashed budgets and payrolls, eliminating their best, more experienced and talented editors and reporters. Advertising rates have gone through the roof, causing advertisers to pay more for less audience.
With the majority of Americans online today & preferring the immediacy of electronic media, the role of community newspapers is diminishing quickly. With environmental concerns, current consumer preferences, and the lack of timely newspaper content, should we be concerned? Perhaps we should join the 'green' activists and pick-up the clarion cry..."save a tree!"
2 comments:
Ron,
I remember some "experts" in the late 60s and early 70s declaring that the day would come when newspapers would no longer be percieved as THE source for News, Advertising and opinion. Frankly, I wondered if I would live to see that day. It looks like I made it and I must admit I will miss the funny pages. Otherwise, my only comment is goodbye and don't let the door hit you on your way out!
I have to admit that I am in a generation of mostly non-newspaper readers. It seems inconvenient for me to have to pay for a newspaper and peruse through many articles that don't interest me, just to find the few that do. I am a dedicated TV news viewer and when I need more info, I'll go read The Tennessean online-where I can get the facts for free.
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