Futre of the newspaper??? Questions.....

kappy_hollowell

Hey all! (far from weight loss) I've been offered a job at the local newspaper. It is a weekly newspaper, and I'd be making more money than my current job.

My questions:
Who all still reads the newspaper?

Do you think that all the new technology will be the end of the news on 'paper'?

Is the newspaper's demise inevitable? Thoughts? opinions?

I really need some help in figuring this out. I've done some online research (hehe) and there are a lot of different opinions.

CMmrsfloyd

I do not read the paper, however I do normally purchase several each Sunday purely for the coupons. As long as there are couponers, and as long as Sunday coupon inserts only come in the Sunday paper, and as long as your paper includes the coupons on Sunday, they will at least have Sunday sales. LOL

jay11284

Personally, I don't know anyone my age or younger (I'm 28) that reads a newspaper. For news I visit sites online like Reddit that offer up to the minute news links and happenings from all over the world. It's easier, more up to date and more interactive because once something is posted everyone can talk about the news event. Sometimes I learn more from fellow readers than from the article itself.

bigdawg025

This is my take... newspapers have websites... they will still be in existence in some form or other, and if you get in now and move up the ladder they would be likely to find a place for you. There will always be journalists as well...

What will your job be there?

simplyeater

My husband is in the newspaper (national) business. Hasn't been good these last few years...and not sure if that is changing anytime soon. Local papers are actually much stronger than national ones due to the lack of good local web info/news for communities. Good luck!

kappy_hollowell

So, our paper is put out on Thursdays, and yes there are coupons in it! LOL I also live in a very small area in general. All farming towns around here. There are a lot of subscriptions and if you try to get a paper at a convienence store after lunch, good luck!

Jay, I'm also 28, but there seems to be more people around here that actually read the newspaper. Obits, weddings, and local news are not immediate on the internet here. I guess there are a lot of factors to consider.

BUT all national news can be viewed on the internet of course.

Thanks for your help, I'm hoping more will post. I need as much info as I can get!

kappy_hollowell

This is my take... newspapers have websites... they will still be in existence in some form or other, and if you get in now and move up the ladder they would be likely to find a place for you. There will always be journalists as well...

What will your job be there?

I would be the graphic artist and I would layout the newspaper.

Thena81

i do! i read the Gazette locally when i get my coupons out on Sat
i pray to God that paper never goes out f style, id rather read a book/newspaper than a Kindle
id rather read a paper then scout the web for info
some of us old-schoolers <lol> still like the old-fashioned ways, im not a huge fan of changing something like that, its a staple in our society i'd like to think

rml_16

I think community newspapers will always survive. They have very loyal followings. People tend to see them as "their" paper rather than "the" paper.

I think they're struggling a bit now as businesses don't have advertising budgets that are as big as they once were, but even if it's going to fail, it probably won't be soon.

abbigail_r

I know the actual paper part is shrinking, at least around here. But they will still need someone to write for their internet columns, its the same thing. I personally like the paper better though I have not jumped on having everything in a tablet or computer.

jimnj1

I'm by no means an expert, but I can tell you that over the last 4 years my local weekly newspaper has decreased in size dramatically. It want from a full-size newspaper (paper size) & about 40 pages to coming on smaller paper, then less pages. It is now about 2/3 of the paper size and only about 16 pages. I know they have lost a lot of subscribers.

In my opinion, having a few years experience on you career-wise...If the money is good, and it's a forward move for your career, take the money...you can always continue your job search in 6 months. Use it as a stepping stone, not a permament home.

bigdawg025

It sounds like the type of paper you're potentially going to work for will be fine, and graphic art/design is a fairly highly demanded skill right now to begin with.

Best of luck!!!

tigersword

This is my take... newspapers have websites... they will still be in existence in some form or other, and if you get in now and move up the ladder they would be likely to find a place for you. There will always be journalists as well...

What will your job be there?

I would be the graphic artist and I would layout the newspaper.

Even if the newspaper upgraded to a digital layout, they'd still need a graphic artist and someone to lay it out.

the_journeyman

Two local papers seem to be doing good. However, the smaller (3 days a week) has cut back on things. They've outsourced printing to another company and have stopped home delivery.

JM

KimmieBrie

I and many others read the newspaper on the subway - the FREE one they give out.

I can not remember the last time I actually purchased a newspaper....

_Timmeh_

We still get a newspaper delivered. If anything it would go online and still be a good business.

kappy_hollowell

Thanks guys & gals! I may give it a try. I'm praying about it, and God will lead me to make the right decision. I don't think our local newspaper is going anywhere, but my husband is so worried about it that it's making me worry. He said if it were him, he would NOT take the job. discouraging. THis kind of means we are not on the same page, and as a couple, we should be. I'm in a rock and a hard place right now and it's not very comfy! :embarassed: :indifferent: :embarassed: :frown: :huh:

cruiseking

I read the newspaper everyday. I would say more so for the local content. I love the way my newspaper describes in detail all the arrest reports. I also do the crossword every night, either pre or post workout. If I owned a newspaper, I would give it away, to any new subscriber for the first three months, on a one shot, once in a lifetime deal. While the younger generation seem to find no value in print media, folks over the age of 40 seem to enjoy their newspaper. Also by giving away the paper for free, it would increase circulation for advertisers, which is where I would assume they make most of their money. As a bonus, they may spur demand from younger people who would have never thought of subscribing. Also, one big point: the newspaper is a lot easier to bring into the bathroom, than a laptop. Just saying. I say take the job, if you would enjoy it more than your present job. Find a job you love, and never work another day.

rml_16

I and many others read the newspaper on the subway - the FREE one they give out.

I can not remember the last time I actually purchased a newspaper....

Newspapers make their money from advertising. Advertising rates are based on how many people read the paper, not how many buy it. The newspaper doesn't care if you buy it or get it free as long as you're reading it! :-)