3 Reasons The Decline Of Print Newspapers Is A Bad Thing | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

3 Reasons The Decline Of Print Newspapers Is A Bad Thing

If you don't make picking up a newspaper part of your morning routine, I suggest you do so.

1848
3 Reasons The Decline Of Print Newspapers Is A Bad Thing
Flickr

The print newspaper is an American institution. Since the times of the Revolution, it has been an essential part of American politics and culture. From Benjamin Franklin's publication the Pennsylvania Gazette to the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" gaffe of the 1948 presidential election, the newspaper has been at the forefront of American history. Unfortunately, it seems that the faithful appearance of the morning paper on America's doorsteps is a dying tradition. While it is certainly true that a number of national publications are living on in a digital format, not every one of the 1,000+ daily publications is of the caliber of the New York Times or Boston Globe. Many smaller local papers have been forced to downsize or stop their presses entirely. My own local paper has recently been forced to lay off several employees, with more expected soon.

There was a time when most print shops published both a morning and an evening edition of their newspapers to be distributed for the people. Over the years, publication after publication ended their tradition of offering an evening paper. The rise of TV news outlets saw to that. Now, digital media is slowly killing print media. It seems like a foregone conclusion and has even been a central vehicle in an episode of the satirical Netflix comedy Bojack Horseman. But the end of the print newspaper is in actuality a very bad thing for our culture and country, and I've provided three key reasons why.

1. It's creating a generational information gap.

Older generations of Americans read newspapers at a rate as high as twice that of the under 35 crowd. This is not necessarily to say that older Americans are more in the know about current events than their posterity, but rather that different demographics are in the know on different events, written from different perspectives, using different facts and opinions. Speaking anecdotally, I know that this information gap is more common in small towns and rural parts of America, where certain millennials are likely to be significantly more liberal than their parents and grandparents. Many smaller print publications tend to have a conservative bias, while younger generations tend toward liberal online media.

In the past, this separation of information would not have been so prominent, as the newspaper was the only source of information available to everybody. Young and old alike would have relied on the same sources of information, and would have been able to discuss current events and political opinions with each other. Instead, as younger generations move away from print publications to form and subscribe to their own sources of information, they only create forums specifically among similar people who agree with them. This election cycle has revealed how a growing information gap among voters can exacerbate differences among demographics.

2. It takes away a source of consistency in people's day to day lives.

Ask anybody, and they'll tell you that having a routine is a very important part of living a healthy life. For hundreds of years, people have been able to incorporate their morning paper into that daily routine. There is even a moment in that episode of Bojack Horseman I mentioned where a character describes the daily paper as a steady presence, something you can count on day in and day out. It also allows individuals to start their day refreshed and well caught up on current events. I know plenty of older people who start every morning with the newspaper and a nice full breakfast.

Unfortunately, we now live in a world where everything must be happening all the time. People are no longer sitting down to catch a breath and catch up on the latest news. Instead, people will maybe read a quick article on their phones during a coffee break or while riding the subway on their way to the office. They are no longer trying to maintain a steady routine and are sporadically reading on their phones and tablets when they "have time" instead of making the time to sit down and unfurl a paper themselves.

3. It's created job losses around the country.

When talking about employment numbers in our country, manufacturing industries tend to make the headlines above all else, but the newspaper industry has been quietly suffering as they continue to toil away to provide us with our daily news. As print newspapers make way for digital news sources, revenue continues to plummet and jobs continue to become lost and consolidated. The highest newsroom employment numbers in recent history peaked at around 55,000 in 2006. Since then, employment has been in a nose-dive, with a net loss of 3,800 editorial jobs in 2014 alone. This is bad, not only from a direct economic perspective but from a forward thinking outlook perspective. Digital news outlets require far fewer employees and don't rely on technical experts who can operate and maintain the presses in the print room itself. This will only discourage children and young adults from seeking careers within the industry, which will continue to cause the industry and the quality of news that it can provide to atrophy.

Such a dramatic drop in available employment also relates back to the aforementioned information gap. As newsrooms continue to downsize and close altogether, younger journalists who are just now entering the workforce are struggling to find positions in established offices. Newspapers instead are opting to retain only a few writers and editors that may have offered the same perspective for several decades. While retaining employees with proven track records is important, it is just as important, if not more so, in journalism to provide new perspectives for readership. As a result, older readers who stick to their print publications rely on the same people for their news for years, while younger writers struggle to find work within a flooded job market that is unable to put necessary value in fresh perspectives. Without new writers, there is little incentive for younger readers to subscribe to their local print publication, who then continue to migrate solely to digital media.

So, if you don't make picking up a newspaper part of your morning routine, or at least your lunch time routine, I suggest you do so. I know that most convenience and grocery stores sell newspapers, and if you're in college, there are probably newspaper stands lying about on campus. My school had stand upon stand of New York Times issues, but the only time I ever saw them used were by art students who never bothered to read the papers before destroying them for a project. Let's try to change that habit together, and keep the American tradition of the newspaper alive.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18688
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7931
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5799
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5022
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments