Does the term, "A Paperless Society" ring a bell? This loose figure of speech is often defined by conspiracy theorists as a sign of the apocalypse; the end of life as we know it. Ironically, for the print industry, "A Paperless Society" would mark the end of an era, albeit in a more literal sense. Simply put, the print industry needs paper in order to print; unless society plans on reverting back to the antiquated use of papyrus. As ridiculous as that may sound, it is quite evident that newspapers are running on a business model that is equally archaic.
News Moves Faster Than the Speed of the Print Press
Today's news cycle runs at warp speed in comparison to how news was dispersed a decade ago. Newspapers aren't the primary source of information that they used to be; the days of waking up to retrieve the paperboy's wayward toss from your front lawn are a thing of the past. It is much more convenient to log on to your favorite online news website for information that is far more relevant and often updated by the minute. In a previous article, Is Print Dead?, the dismal state of the magazine industry was discussed. As bad as thing are for the magazine industry, all indications suggest that the newspaper industry is in even more dire straights.
Newspaper Circulation Numbers are Declining Nationwide
A recent article onNewsbusters.org lists some dismal statistics for newspaper circulations across the country – the situation doesn't look good at all. Newspaper executives have to find a way to bridge the digital divide in order to prevent printed newspapers from becoming a thing of the past. As discussed in the article, Magazines Are Going Virtual, magazines are reconnecting with readers and advertise alike by supplementing their printed editorial with additional online content. Because of the visually appealing photography and graphic design of magazines, this model is plausible. They can still offer the print version of their publication as a "coffee table piece", but who wants to collect volumes of bland, text-heavy newspapers?
Newspapers readers read them for the news, not for entertainment or pleasure, so is there hope for print news or will this industry be completely phased out by the online revolution? The short answer is, Yes. Confused? Well, so are newspaper executives. Numbers suggest that increased online presence of newspapers usually equates to diminished print circulation numbers. A classic catch-22.
Print vs Online News: Is Your Town Big Enough for the Two of Them?
From a pure business standpoint, the cost of print presses, paper, delivery trucks, and warehouses is unnecessary overhead; especially if print newspapers are losing money and the online editions are showing sign of hope. From a psychological perspective, the simple act of physically thumbing through a paper and scanning the pages is a form of stimulus that will never be duplicated by any online model. It appears that online newspaper will continue to gain more precedence in today's high-tech business world, but the print version should not be completely disregarded.
Food for thought
Newspaper executives are missing out on a huge opportunity to use their print operations as a supplemental piece to their online edition. Just think of the printed newspaper as a re-cap of the day's hottest topics and most relevant issues. The possibilities are infinite; the online news model is a source for user-generated content and feedback, which builds on the social networking aspect.
Remember how successful "Dear Abbey" used to be? People love to see their feedback in print. Another goldmine is the classified section; Craig's List is killing the newspaper classifieds. Why aren't more newspapers fighting back by integrating their print classifieds with a database of online ads? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Newspaper executives must grow out of their prehistoric modes of operation and get with the age of new media or run the risk of extinction.
Carlos Anderson - With over a decade of professional experience as a Graphic Designer and several years of experience as Art Director for internationally ...
