For centuries, newspapers have been one of the main ways to stay up to date on what is going on in the world. By just reading a piece of paper, people were able to know what was happening in their everyday world such as important events in their community, sports, the economy and the entertainment industry.
During the late 1800s to 1900s newspapers thrived. They were the peoples’ most prominent source to get their news. But during the 20th Century two big competitors were invented and added to the media industry: radio and television. Radio stations and TV had an advantage over newspapers in that they could report on news live as it was happening instead of having to wait for the printed story.
Besides the competition between breaking news and convenience of consumption, another main attribute of newspapers, radio and TV is advertising. Advertisements or ads are the main way newspapers stay in business, and since the rise of radio and TV, the papers aren’t always the first choice for businesses.
Today newspapers are still found all over – sold at businesses, delivered to subscribers’ houses and through apps on phones. Since the big boom of the internet, it has become harder and harder for newspapers and even radio stations to keep their original faithful readers and listeners interested. Additionally, every day more and more small-town newspapers are bought out by or merged with big nationwide corporations that may control what the paper can or cannot publish.
Local newspapers are something citizens should continue to read and appreciate due to how hard it is to keep them running in today’s internet-obsessed society. The need for small-town newspapers and radios is vital to the culture of small towns to be able to open up a newspaper and read about local citizens or important things that are happening in the community. Nationwide, newspapers focus more on big breaking news from states that may be on the other side of the country whereas a locally owned newspaper can report on strictly local happenings or things that greatly affect their areas.
Even just hearing or seeing ads about local businesses in your town can be really helpful so people can decide where to go for a good meal, what gym to attend or at which bank to open an account. Additionally, local papers and radio stations can respond quicker to their readers and listeners as to how they want to see or hear certain content.
Lastly, the internet may not always work or be as handy as it is nowadays. Newspapers will always be a physical thing that can be passed from person to person, like in the 1600s, and radio waves will always be available during hard times.
