Recently, two major newspapers circulated their final print publications: The Rocky Mountain News in Denver and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Similar fates may await the San Francisco Chronicle and the Boston Globe, and several newspaper groups have already filed bankruptcy. These actions have re-sparked conversations about the future of print media in the face of growing digital outlets. How can you choose to truly get your news? Are you currently still obtaining a newspaper simply out of habit? What’re the digital-age options, and what’ll work best for you personally?
After their hay day in the 1940s, newspapers have observed gradual decline in circulation and advertising revenue. First, the decline was blamed on television’s increasing popularity and now comfortable access to the web sites, podcasts and social networking feeds further threaten the medium.
Newspapers Go Digital
Most newspapers have recognized the necessity to create an on the web presence. In fact, even although Seattle Post-Intelligencer halted its print edition, its site lives on. pool result In the event that you haven’t already, find the web version of your favorite local, national or international publication and explore new approaches to “read exactly about it.”
Newspapers have struggled with choosing the best revenue model for providing online use of content. Some ensure it is available free and rely solely on revenue from online advertisers. Others newspapers may require registration or even charge a fee for access with a content. And, others still ensure it is easy, and free, to see today’s headlines but charge for downloading content from the archives.
Many newspaper the web sites offer RSS feeds that will deliver the news right into a digital feed reader like Google Reader or NewsGator. You’re also likely to get several alternatives for having newsletters brought to your email inbox that cover daily events, breaking news or your personal custom-selected topics.
If you’re in the market for a second-hand bike or you’re launching work search, most newspapers’ sites provide online tools that are easier to browse and search than the print version. Plus, your fingers will remain clean!
Obviously, if you’re in the market for used goods maybe you are more likely to visit popular and growing sites like eBay or Craigslist. And, in case a new job is in your future, CareerBuilder and Monster probably come to mind. In fact, many newspapers have partnered with sites like CareerBuilder to supply their searchable, online job postings.
Newspapers aren’t the only real “traditional” media to go digital. Most local and national television stations also deliver news via their web sites. The biggies like CNN, MSNBC and Fox News maintain their reputation for breaking big news first online as well as off. You are able to subscribe because of their “breaking news” email alerts to be among the first to know.
Somebody needs to break the news, and in today’s digital world, it’s certainly not a reporter. Real people associated with real situations can post their experiences directly to the web sites or social networking feeds like Twitter or Facebook. If you have a narrow field of interest, you could find that you will get better “reporting” from individuals who share your interests.
Accessing your newspaper digitally may seem great, but you certainly can’t take your PC to the local coffee shop. Today there are lots of easier, and lighter-weight, options to take the news with you.
If you have a smart phone such as the iPhone or BlackBerry, you can easily view mobile-ready versions of popular news sites. Or, scan the headlines in your email newsletters then click when you want to see more. Your phone’s browser should take you right where you wish to go.
For a somewhat more traditional experience, you can use an electronic device like Amazon’s Kindle 2 and sign up for newspapers electronically. You won’t waste paper, and you’ll still have today’s edition at your fingertips.
For many, the appeal of newspapers goes beyond reading about yesterday’s events. You might such as the tactile connection with flipping by way of a pile of newsprint or scratching your path through the daily crossword. No digital media will replace that.
For others, however, hanging to a newspaper subscription is about getting advertisements and coupons you could otherwise miss. Advertisers don’t want to miss you either. In anticipation of declining newspaper readership, they’ve found new approaches to digitally share ads and coupons. Target, WalMart, JCPenney’s and other retailers provide electronic replicas of these weekly circulars on the web sites. In fact, Target has occasionally skipped newspaper distribution completely to drive more traffic to its site. Discover the ads on your favorite retailers’ sites, or have a look at Sunday Saver for quick links.
If you’re a coupon clipper, consider becoming a coupon printer. You are able to search for the coupons you need instead of being lured into buying products you otherwise wouldn’t in the event that you hadn’t found a coupon in the Sunday paper. Start with your favorite store’s or brand’s site for great deals. You’ll also find great sites designed to assist you find and organize coupons such as for example Coupons.com, CouponMom, Coupon Cabin and others.