The Dynamics of Mass Communication Chapter 14

The Economics of the Newspaper

In Chapter 4, Dominick talks about the economics behind the newspaper industry. From the cost to make the newspaper in its beginnings to present, to overall circulation to decline of the newspaper in general. I found it interesting when he touched on the “economic health” of the newspaper and its decline having a significance in the early 90’s. Within a year, the cost to make the newspaper (specifically the paper it is produced on) went from $420 per ton to $800 per ton. This particularly hurt the industry because in turn, less people were purchasing the newspaper and reverting to simply watching the news on television. Now I thought about how this effected people (which I later read Dominick discusses as well.) What effect does this have to the literacy rate? More specifically, the United States? In my opinion, it is already bad enough that the United States is statically on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to education. It is also no secret that the government tried to correct that (i.e. “No Child Left Behind”) and one could argue that there are still books and other forms of reading out there which is true as well. Now I am aware the newspaper decline does not solely contribute to the low literacy rate but it does not help it neither. I cannot help but feeling a little sad seeing a concept that has so much history behind it die. The newspaper was once the main source of news and recording history. In addition, the newspaper was how several people earned income. From operating the printing presses, to writing articles to disturbing it as the popular movie and stage musical Newsies has demonstrated. I think that a vast amount of people do not realize that the decline of the newspaper has a larger effect on the United States economy as whole. I do not believe the newspaper will be phase out of circulation altogether any time soon, but I do believe, with the continuing advancement in technology and convenience, there just may be a day where the only place you will be able see a newspaper is in a museum.