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Newspapers, serendipity, and the time to browse

21st October 2009, 07:24 am

Many media observers and experts are predicting the impending death of the newspaper. There are no shortage of enemies, villains, or victims in these changing media times.

Mathew Ingram wrote an intriguing piece about the newspaper after he moderated a panel on the future of the newspaper between two media experts (Clay Shirky and Andrew Keen). He argued that newspapers are an important source of serendipity, whereby readers discover interesting things that they might not have found otherwise.  His post, and the links contained within, is a must-read jumping on point if you’re wondering what’s going on with newspapers.

After I read his post and some of the linked material (check out the comments section for more links and information), a few thoughts came to mind:

  • Are newspapers suffering from lack of readership in addition to the decline in advertising spending?
  • If there are fewer newspaper readers, is it because of a lack of time as much as anything else?  Do we collectively have less time to read a newspaper from cover to cover and discover things by accident?  Does atomized content (where you can get individual stories as opposed to having to read the entire newspaper, magazine, or other content bundle) better for busier people?
  • Is the size of the newspaper becoming a turn off?  The larger editions take up a heck of a lot of space, after all.
  • How many people are reading newspapers at home as opposed to other places?  I know that I tended to read newspapers more when I travel than at home.

In my own experience, I don’t subscribe to the print editions of newspapers, but I enjoy reading them when I find them.  However, it does take some time to read through a whole newspaper, doesn’t it?  Is it a problem of us not taking the time (or having the time) to sit down and read a newspaper cover to cover without interruption?

What do you think?  Do you still read newspapers?  Where?  When?

Image by Monica Arellano-Ongpin
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  • I don't read newspapers personally but I know that my parents read one at home everyday. They are part of the generation that doesn't care about getting digital news. I think there is a definite decline in readership but not as much as most people are claiming.

    Tweeted!

    - Glen
  • Hi Glen, there does seem to be a difference between how generations get their news. My parents are avid newspaper readers as well, but they've only gotten high speed Internet access during the past couple of years, which makes a difference.

    Another thing to consider is that in many cases we're still reading content generated by news organizations, just via electronic media. However, if we slice and dice what we choose to read, we may lose some of the serendipity effect that Mathew wrote about.
  • chrismingryan
    Alas, the printed newspaper will steadily erode.. but news will live on.
    Here's an ode to the newspaper from my blog. http://bit.ly/1kgSY4
  • Great post, Chris. I commented on your blog as well. Thanks!
  • I read the newspaper every day at lunch. I like giving my eyes a break from the screen, having something to hold, and being able to skim content as well as headlines. Besides, they have comics.

    I enjoy my print magazines for much the same reasons, plus I can read them in between moments when my 2-year-old is awake. If I put the computer on she wants to see the monkeys. We should never have introduced her to Flickr. :D
  • Hah, things they never told you before you became a parent, huh?
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