I think the declining trend of
newspaper sales and revenue is a major threat to the validity and credibility
of the media. I have been learning about this topic in two different classes
this semester, and the more I hear about it, the more it worries me. According
to our most recent lecture in Dr. Schiffer’s Media and Politics class, nearly
all of the major news stories talked about on TV and radio programs originate
from articles and reporters in the newspaper industry. Newspaper journalists
are the best in the business, and they have decades upon decades of rigorous
standards, experience, and professionalism in all facets of journalism. They
find the stories, investigate the issues, interview the involved parties, and
write the articles—the problem, however, is that the news they publish is
quickly shared through hundreds of other sources, all of which detract from the
bottom line of the source itself.
To be honest, I can’t say that I’m
doing much to help with this problem. Newspapers haven’t quite found a way to
effectively (and profitably) keep up with the growing trend of digital media.
Until about 10-15 years ago, there were really only two ways to get the news—TV
and newspapers—and there were only so many credible sources amongst those two
avenues. However, with the explosion of the Internet and, in more recent years,
of news aggregator sites like the Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, and Reddit, it’s
becoming easier and easier to get the news from an uninvolved 3rd
party. Readers are attracted to the funny commentary, catchy headlines, and
interesting website layouts of these sites, while the bland and unappealing
newspaper websites (or God forbid, the physical papers themselves) seem almost archaic.
I don’t know what the solution is, but realistically,
I don’t think I will change my habits despite the threats to newspapers. I want
to enjoy reading, rather than it seem like a chore—I hope for all of our sakes
that newspapers find a way to adapt, or the content of the news I read, even
indirectly, will be drastically worse in a few years from now.
Good post. I think a lot of newspapers will go under, but many will--as you say--adapt to the new digital environment.
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ReplyDeleteThe newspaper business is undoubtedly declining, which can be seen by layoffs at the New York Times and the cancellation of local newspapers across the country. I feel bad for newspaper reporters because they do not often get the kudos they deserve because they are overshadowed by television and social media. Still, I often trust the information I get from newspapers more than what I hear on television. I do not have any rationale for this, but it just seems like newspaper articles often have better research. Even though, I do think that a lot of newspaper companies will go out of business; however, many will most likely adapt to today’s technological advances and enter the digital production age. For example, I would assume that more people read New York Times via online publication and Twitter as opposed to an actual printed copy. It seems like an inconvenience to go pick up the paper when it is possible to access information through a mobile device. I believe that newspaper will be forced to go online in order to stay running.
ReplyDeleteFrom my own personal experience, I have thought a lot about the magazine industry. I am an intern at D Magazine this semester, and it is something that I may pursue as a career. It is concerning that the print industry seems to be in a decline and people are getting laid off left and right. Despite this negative trend, D Magazine is a company that seems to have figured it out. By focusing on specific topics and regions that appeal to a wide variety of audiences and providing accurate and relevant content, D Magazine has been able to combat the negativity in the magazine industry. The company has also started online publications and advertising services to help keep the company at the forefront of the magazine industry.