I’ve always enjoyed reading newspapers. There is a sense of relaxation that I get from sitting down with an actual newspaper that I just don’t get when I read a newspaper online. Although I already knew that newspaper circulation in general was on the decline, it made me sad to read the statistics yet one more time. Not that I should be surprised. Alan Rusbridger commented that the 18 to 24 year olds and the 25 to 34 year olds are not interested in newspapers. It’s seldom that I see my 19 and 22 year old sons reading a newspaper. Even though I enjoy reading the newspaper, there are many days that our local newspaper goes unread because I’ve been too busy with other things. Does this mean that newspapers will go by the wayside? According to Rusbridger, “Newspapers and broadcasting organisations actually got stuff out for debate that other people wanted hidden and that was a valuable thing to have done” (13). I believe that this is a valuable role that journalists will still need to fulfill. The method of delivery may change but newspapers still have a place in our society.
January 15, 2007
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January 20, 2007 at 11:40 pm
The ritual of reading the Sunday paper is part of our family life, Sandy – so I agree with you. As a child, I loved my mom reading the funnies aloud to us -changing her voice for each character. As an adult, the Sunday papers ( we get more than one ) are a whole pot of coffee experience.
I read the parts of the paper in the same order, and I separate out the same sections for my husband before starting my own reading. I cut out particles and editorials to share with family and students – and often end by addressing #10 envelopes to convey the items I want to share. A Sunday without this ritual is incomplete.
I too am a newspaper junkie!