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May 6, 2008

The Future of Print

I've said many times that print is not going away. But I do think we'll see fantastic changes in the near future. For example, this article by Reuters says newspapers must become better integrated with digital services and might move to free circulation:

The report, conducted by Zogby International for the World Editors Forum and Reuters, revealed that newspaper editors were still optimistic about the future of their publications but believed they would have to adapt further for the digital age.

Some 86 percent of respondents believed newsrooms should become more integrated with digital services as two in three believe the most common form of news consumption will be via electronic media such as online or mobiles within a decade.

"For these editors the future is self-evident and our survey shows that they see the writing on the newsroom wall," said pollster John Zogby.

"The evolution of the 4th Estate is no longer questions of if, when or how. Editors now know the solution: Innovate. Integrate. Or perish."

According to the survey, 56 percent of respondents believed that the majority of news, be it via print or online, would be free in the future.

That sounds right to me. Further, I think most newspapers (not The New York Times or the Wall Street Journal) ought to consider a move to the tabloid size sooner rather than later. Broadsheet is the size of different age in which we had the leisure to enjoy a newspaper as a reading experience in itself. Those days are gone. It seems that the (post)modern reader wants ease of access and convenience. The tabloid size fits these desires.

The article also says newspapers may begin to place greater emphasis on opinion and commentary. I hope that is a false prediction. The interactive world of the internet is far better suited to opinion because we may all talk back instantly. Print needs to preserve the concept of "newspaper journalism," i.e.:

  • Its content is not shaped by a limiting technology...
  • Its usefulness is based far more on completeness and clarity than immediacy.
  • Its claim on credibility is based on its length and depth, which allow readers to judge the facts behind the story's headline and opening summary paragraph and then look for internal contradictions.
  • It has intrinsic value and relevance to people rather than merely amusing or entertaining them.
  • Opinions and analysis are labeled as such and are presented separately.

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Posted by acline at May 6, 2008 8:01 AM | | Spotlight