Do people still read the newspaper?

With the internet readily available on your phone, computer, tablet, television and television screens invading your dining experience in many restaurants it isn’t surprising that readership of newspapers is declining. However, there are still many that do pick up the newspaper and spend a few minutes at least, perusing the printed page. Reading a newspaper is relaxing and easier on the eyes than looking at a screen. Studies also show that retention is better when reading printed material.

Another reason to read the newspaper is that editors generally do their very best to choose the best content for the print newspaper. There is, in fact, a lot of garbage on the Web, because anyone can publish anything on the Internet. A newspaper, however, published in print comes at a high price. Not just the cost of paper, ink and delivery, but the man hours involved can be exhausting.

Reading a newspaper is a less intrusive, more engaging process. Some people prefer to begin on the first page an read the publication from cover to cover, each and every line, including the Public Notices!

Reading the newspaper means you aren’t distracted by annoying pop-up ads or things flashing at you to get your attention. You can take your time to read and absorb more information.

Some newspapers are so large, it can seem like a monumental task to read. Don’t feel obligated to read from cover, although the Saratoga Sun is an easy read compared to the Wall Street Journal. Scan the pages and if a headline grabs you, stop and read it.

There is certainly no right or wrong way to read a newspaper. Your personal consumption of the news is subjective and personal. Some people actually read newspapers in reverse, I’m one of them. Starting from the back of the paper and finishing at the front picking up the more prominent news near the end of the reading session. Others pick their favorite sections, the opinion page, obituary section, police report or classifieds, and throw away the rest.

No matter how you dive into it, look for the articles that are of interest and relevant to you.

According to MansiMedia’s website, newspaper readership is robust and advertising statistics continue to show that newspapers reach the educated and affluent audience. Recent studies of readership show that more than 124 million U.S. adults read newspapers each week. Fifty-eight percent of adults aged 18-34 read a newspaper. Seventy percent of households with income above $100K are newspaper readers.

The next question is does it pay to advertise n a newspaper. Again, referring to MansiMedia, nine out of ten newspaper readers (91%) report that they take action after reading or looking at inserts. Eight in ten (79%) of newspaper readers took action as a result of reading a newspaper ad in the past 30 days. Seven in ten adults 18 and older say the newspaper is their preferred source for coupons. Eighty-two percent of all consumers use print coupons they receive in their newspaper. Consumers find newspapers the best medium for bringing sales to their attention.

Advertising in newspapers gives the consumer the opportunity to gather more information about the product or service they are looking for. It gives them the opportunity to visit the advertiser’s website. Some people will save the ad for future reference. Advertising in a newspaper also encourages visitors and locals to visit a business.

There is a decline in younger groups interest in news. They tend to rely more on social media which results in news fatigue and a shift from traditional media. The debate between print and digital is a moot point. Both have benefits and advantages so it comes down to personal preference. Most newspapers now offer print and digital bundled subscriptions so you can enjoy both.