The question of the future of newspapers seems to be constantly coming up, and digital news (and, well, digital everything) could just be thismuch closer to edging out the old-fashioned papers.
In the most recent issue New York Magazine that very topic is covered, and it's not hard to realize what is being encouraged. Although the article is addressing The New York Times (pretty slick new look, isn't it?) specifically, it's pretty ironic that it's printed in a magazine (albeit reproduced on the web). Writer James Cramer doesn't hide the fact that it's a drastic idea, but nonetheless he believes that it needs to be done, especially given the fact that things don't seem to be looking so hot for the industry. And it doesn't help when Bill Gates seems to be single-handedly campaigning against the use of paper.
With the topic coming up repeatedly, it's hard to ignore the facts: People are just more digital now, and newspapers are continuing to lose revenue and readership. It's time to either somehow revamp the old Times or to embrace the new wholeheartedly. But who will take the plunge? It seems like that is what could be holding them back; no one wants to be the guinea pig in what seems to me to be an almost win-win situation, if executed properly (beats me just what that is though). So just take James Cramer's advice and catch up on the times already!
Travis Carter @ Tue, 04/04/2006 - 5:59pm
For the most part I agree that paper is out and digital is in. But I believe there is one major exception that will keep paper alive (whether it be for newspapers or books) and that is travel. Until it becomes as easy to walk around with a digital device (be it some sort of computer, or something to be invented) that is as accessible and lightweight and easy to use as a newspaper, there will always be some sort of demand. Just think about how many people read the newspaper on a daily basis on their way to work on the Long Island Rail Road and or the subway. And this happens all across the country. And also think about all the other times reading the newspaper is easy when you are on the move (or even at the beach in the summer). For the most part, digital is in but until the revolution is complete and digital is as easy to access as a piece of paper, then there will still be a demand.