Blog tasks: The decline in print media

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Part 1: Ofcom report into news consumption 2022

Read this Ofcom 2022 report on the consumption of news in the UK and answer the following questions (bullet points/short answers are fine):

1) Look at the headlines from the report on page 6. Pick three that you think are interesting and bullet point them here. Why did you pick those three in particular?  

"TikTok’s reach for news has increased from 2020 (1%) to 2022 (7%). Half of its user base (for news) are aged 16 - 24." - I chose this one because I found it interesting how people are becoming more trustworthy of social media as a news source, despite the medium being an overall inaccurate source of information.

"Different age groups consume news very differently; younger age groups are much more likely to use the Internet and social media for news, whereas their older counterparts favour print, radio and TV." - I think this is interesting because when I get older, perhaps social media will be seen as legacy media in the way that radio nowadays is seen as legacy media.

"Five of the top six TV channels (including BBC One which remains the top news source across platforms) saw decreased reach from 2021 among online adults." - I found this interesting because I don't exactly know why the reach has decreased

2) Look at the overall summary for adults on pages 7-8. What are the key points on newspapers? 

While the reach of print newspapers is decreasing, online newspaper reach remains steady

The Daily Mail/Mail on Sunday remains the most widely-read print news title overall, whilst The Guardian/Observer and Daily Mail/Mail on Sunday are the most widely-read digital titles

3) Look at the statistics on page 13. What do you notice about newspapers and how has it changed in recent years?

It has decreased sharply by 16% between 2018 and 2022

4) Now look at the age demographics for news consumption on page 16. What age demographic groups are most and least likely to read newspapers and what are the percentages?

Most Likely = 75+ (59%)
Least Likely = 16-24 (10%)

5) Look at the newspaper-specific data on page 36. Which are the most popular newspaper titles? 

Daily Mail
The Sun
The Metro

6) Now look at the total newspaper reach of print and online on page 39. How has this decreased over the last three years?

14% fewer people used print in 2022 compared to 2019
In that period, online reach has stayed the same

Part 2: Factsheet - The death of print media

Go to our Media Factsheet archive and open Factsheet 165: The death of print media. Our Media Factsheet archive is on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets or you can find it online here - you'll need to log in using your Greenford Google login.

Read the Factsheet and complete the following questions/tasks (bullet points/short answers are fine):

1) What has happened to print media in the last 30 years?

Over the last 30 years, print media has faced significant challenges due to the rise of digital media. With the advent of the internet and social media, traditional print outlets have experienced declining readership and circulation numbers.

2) Why is the Independent newspaper such a good case study for the decline in print media?

The Independent newspaper serves as an exemplary case study for the decline in print media due to its transition from a printed format to a digital-only platform. Its struggles with maintaining circulation numbers, financial difficulties, and eventual cessation of print publication highlight the challenges faced by traditional newspapers in the digital age.

3) What was the Independent newspaper famous for?

The Independent newspaper was renowned for its non-aligned perspective, commitment to unbiased reporting, and its unorthodox and campaigning front pages. It prided itself on being free from political bias and proprietorial influence, often addressing pressing social and political issues through its reporting.

4) What did the then-owner of the Independent, Evgeny Lebedev, say about the newspaper's digital-only future?

Evgeny Lebedev, the then-owner of the Independent, asserted that the decision to cease printing and transition to a digital-only format was a bold move towards embracing the digital future. He emphasised that readers were indicating a preference for digital platforms, prompting the need for such a transition to preserve the Independent brand and continue investing in high-quality editorial content.

5) How do online newspapers make money?

Online newspapers employ various revenue models to generate income, including advertising, subscriptions, paywalls, and sponsored content. They may also seek contributions from readers or offer ad-free versions of their websites for a fee.

6) What did the Independent's longest-serving editor Simon Kelner warn regarding the switch to digital?

Simon Kelner, the Independent's longest-serving editor, cautioned that replicating the institutional values and unique qualities of the Independent in a digital format would be challenging. He highlighted concerns about maintaining the paper's variety of voices, originality in design, and iconoclastic feel in the transition to digital.

7) What is the concern with fake news? What does 'post-truth' refer to?

The concern with fake news lies in its potential to mislead and manipulate audiences by spreading false or misleading information disguised as legitimate news. 'Post-truth' refers to a political culture in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.

8) What is your view on the decline in print media? Should news be free? Is it a concern that established media brands such as the Independent can no longer afford to exist as a printed newspaper?

The decline in print media reflects the inevitable shift towards digital consumption driven by technological advancements and changing audience preferences. While news accessibility is important, sustainable funding models are necessary to uphold journalistic integrity and quality reporting. The transition to digital platforms presents both opportunities and challenges for media organisations. While it's concerning that established media brands like the Independent struggle to maintain print editions, embracing digital innovation is vital for their survival and relevance in today's media landscape. However, ensuring that quality journalism remains financially viable in the digital realm is imperative for a healthy and informed society.

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