PressEthic

Apparently I, a member of Generation Y, do not read. Well, let me clarify. Certain members of the journalism community believe that because I don’t read newspapers, I do not read.

I have to say, my generation deserves some criticism when it comes to certain things. Apathy towards civic life? Of course. Where were all of you in the 2004 elections?! Obsession with pop culture? Yes, we want to know all about Britney’s new baby. But please do not criticize us about our reading habits just because your readership among 18-25 year-olds is low.

This topic comes up at a time where newspapers are laying off lots of people. The New York Times and The Boston Globe are just a couple of the various publications affected by the trends in newspaper readership. While this is disheartening, we are reminded that we now live in the technology age where various mediums are competing with our time, money, and interest. The newspaper is just one outlet where society gets its information. Blogging, online journals, alternative internet magazines, and news websites are competing for our attention and have been successful. We have been reading more than ever. However, just because we have found other sources to educate ourselves does not mean that you have lost the battle.

Marcelo Rech, the editor of the Southern Brazilian newspaper, Zero Hora, points out the biggest obstacle of young newspaper readership. “We need to constantly innovate and at times produce a true revolution in our products rather than be content with mere survival,” he stated in an article in the World Association of Newspapers http://www.wan-press.org/article8165.html . The article goes on to argue that “today’s young people did not grow up reading newspapers and have not developed loyalty to their local papers. But newspapers can and do create this loyalty.” One example is a concept called the “life cycle” strategy in which the reading habit is created at a very young age -- the newspaper publishes a pre kindergarten magazine. It can go on to produce other products, both within the newspaper and as separate publications, to appeal to readers of all ages.

Now this may actually work. As a 24 year old graduate student studying journalism, reading the newspaper has become a vital part of my daily routine. But my fascination with it started as a young child. As early as elementary school, our teachers helped put together a weekly publication for the students, by the students. Town newspapers could get involved in this process and grow readership from a young age. There was also my family’s loyalty to The Chicago Tribune. Ever since I can remember, my father would have his cup of Egyptian coffee along side a copy of the Tribune. Loyalty transcends generations. I have been a loyal reader of The Chicago Tribune for several years now (well, there was that affair with The Wall Street Journal when I was a finance major in undergrad, but I digress).

There is still hope to increase newspaper readership in the future.

But going back to those of you who believe that we do not read anymore, answer this. How else do we get the latest update on Britney’s new life as a mother?