Newspaper = ‘already chewed news’
Surprise, surprise - newspapers take another hit for being outdated. Slate has accused newspapers of printing “already chewed news.” But the article does point out some ways that newspapers can stand apart from their online counterparts, like publishing compelling, never-before-seen photos.
Another point of light:
As good as the Web is at keeping apace with the current, it isn’t very good at telling me when my news tank is full. The final editions of well-edited newspapers still do a better job of conveying the most vital news than does a browsing of the Web.
The articles argues — rightfully — that the inside pages could be more relevant than Page One:
In the Web era, I find myself spending more time with the inside pages of newspapers, probably because I’ve not tainted my consciousness by previewing many of them on the Web.
And:
I’d like to see newspapers do a better job signaling via text or layout whether pieces contain new news, terrific insight and interpretation, or just more of the same old bollocks that I can get elsewhere, presumably the Web.
It’s unlikely that the troubled industry can alter its trajectory with a few changes. But as long as newspapers are around, why not make them as relevant as possible?
