The sun rising over the Rockies was a familiar sight for Robin Gammons, who would rush to the front porch to grab the morning paper before school. The Montana Standard was more than just a source of news; it was a way to connect with her community and feel a sense of pride when her family’s achievements were featured in its pages. Whether it was a one-woman art show or a sports victory, seeing their names in print made the experience feel more real.
However, the Montana Standard, like many other newspapers, has had to adapt to the changing media landscape. Two years ago, it reduced its print circulation to three days a week, a move that has become increasingly common among newspapers. In fact, over the last two decades, approximately 1,200 newspapers in the US have reduced their print frequency, and about 3,500 have closed. This shift has significant implications, not only for the way we consume news but also for the many other uses we have for newspapers.
The Many Uses of Newspapers
Newspapers have long been a staple of daily life, serving as a source of information, entertainment, and even household items. As Diane DeBlois, one of the founders of the Ephemera Society of America, notes, “You can pass it on. You can keep it. And then, of course, there’s all the fun things.” Newspapers have been used to wrap fish, clean windows, and even as a makeshift toilet paper. These uses may seem trivial, but they are an integral part of the newspaper’s presence in our lives.
The decline of print newspapers has quietly altered the texture of daily life. People used to catch up on the world, save their memories, protect their floors and furniture, wrap gifts, line pet cages, and light fires, all with the help of newspapers. The physical paper is joining a long list of objects that have become obsolete, including payphones, cassette tapes, and answering machines. As Marilyn Nissenson, co-author of “Going Going Gone: Vanishing Americana,” observes, “Very hard to see it while it’s happening; much easier to see things like that in even modest retrospect.”
A Changing Media Landscape
The shift from print to digital has been gradual, but its impact is undeniable. Nick Mathews, an assistant professor at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism, recalls his fond memories of using newspapers to wrap presents. In his family, the newspaper was a staple, and its presence is still felt today. However, the decline of print newspapers has forced many to adapt to new ways of consuming news and using household items.
The downward trend in the media business has changed American democracy, with some arguing for better and others for worse. What is certain, however, is that the gradual dwindling of the printed paper has altered the way we relate to each other and the world around us. As Sarah Wasserman, a cultural critic and assistant dean at Dartmouth College, notes, “I do think it meaningfully changes how we relate to each other, how we relate to things like the news. It is reshaping attention spans and communications.”
The Future of Newspapers
As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is unclear what the future holds for newspapers. However, one thing is certain: the decline of print newspapers will have far-reaching consequences. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s decision to stop providing a print edition at the end of the year is a significant milestone, making Atlanta the largest US metro area without a printed daily newspaper. As we move forward, it is essential to consider the many uses of newspapers and the impact their decline will have on our daily lives.
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