Dying industry: will newsprint be obsolete?
editorial
Issue date: 2/25/10 Section: Opinion
Why are you reading this newspaper?
Because it was sitting there?
Because you genuinely care about campus events and student opinion?
Because, unlike most people, you love the feel of newspaper ink all over your fingers?
The point is, you're reading it. Some would take this simple fact to be a glimmer of hope in a world that is questioning the future of print news. What was it, and what is it now?
Many people will tell you that print journalism is dying. Some have even asked what the point is of teaching journalism in this day and age. Good question.
As a journalist you learn more than just how to interview people and write articles. Journalism is more than newsprint, more than broadcast, more than a website or blog. In fact, someone once said that journalism is more than just a profession: it is a philosophy, a way of viewing the world, a way of taking in, processing and sharing knowledge.
The question of whether to teach journalism is useful at all in such a day and age is negated, because the undeniable root of journalism is observation and communication - two things that man will always (have to) live with. People will always feel the need to "know". Though anyone can have a part in sharing knowledge and information, reporters will always have a large role in providing that information.
However, the question of whether print journalism is heading for the grave is a completely different question. Is the need for journalism enough to keep the presses running? Will people bother to read a newspaper when they could access news just as easily online from their phones?
Community college newspapers have been fighting and failing all across the country as reporters leaving, readership dwindles, and budgets are cut. Four-year institutions have not had as much bad luck, but some would predict that the future looks just as bleak for them as well.
The Pacific Index received a scare of their own this semester as they were asked by John Hayes, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, to consider surrendering their $10,000 yearly budget, most of which goes towards printing costs.
Because it was sitting there?
Because you genuinely care about campus events and student opinion?
Because, unlike most people, you love the feel of newspaper ink all over your fingers?
The point is, you're reading it. Some would take this simple fact to be a glimmer of hope in a world that is questioning the future of print news. What was it, and what is it now?
Many people will tell you that print journalism is dying. Some have even asked what the point is of teaching journalism in this day and age. Good question.
As a journalist you learn more than just how to interview people and write articles. Journalism is more than newsprint, more than broadcast, more than a website or blog. In fact, someone once said that journalism is more than just a profession: it is a philosophy, a way of viewing the world, a way of taking in, processing and sharing knowledge.
The question of whether to teach journalism is useful at all in such a day and age is negated, because the undeniable root of journalism is observation and communication - two things that man will always (have to) live with. People will always feel the need to "know". Though anyone can have a part in sharing knowledge and information, reporters will always have a large role in providing that information.
However, the question of whether print journalism is heading for the grave is a completely different question. Is the need for journalism enough to keep the presses running? Will people bother to read a newspaper when they could access news just as easily online from their phones?
Community college newspapers have been fighting and failing all across the country as reporters leaving, readership dwindles, and budgets are cut. Four-year institutions have not had as much bad luck, but some would predict that the future looks just as bleak for them as well.
The Pacific Index received a scare of their own this semester as they were asked by John Hayes, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, to consider surrendering their $10,000 yearly budget, most of which goes towards printing costs.
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