Newspapers have been described as printed versions of information people need. That definition comes from magazine editors, who print what people want. What people need and what people want are as polarizing as business and politics or science and religion. There’s room for both.
There are still about 5,600 newspapers printed in this country, 80% of them weeklies.
Reading print versions is obsolete, old school, defunct and out of fashion. People like to reach in their pockets and pull up current stock quotes, ball scores, and weather radar – instant information married to a monthly expense. Newspapers in this town are free, and if you drop them, they don’t break.
Newspapers strive for accuracy among diverse opinions. The New York Times was strongly opposed to women voting, yet 105 years ago yesterday the 19th Amendment was certified despite powerful proselytizing.
Thirty minutes spent reading a newspaper offers local news, fizzy outlooks, and brain juice splash. Thirty minutes on your phone offers calamity, confusion, eye burn and scant poker winnings.
Thank you for making ESI today’s current choice.