Print Imprint: The Connection Between the Physical Newspaper and the Self

Abstract

This research puts forward the theoretical concept “print imprint,” articulating the connection between the printed newspaper and its reader’s “Self.” This paper contends that the printed newspaper draws out the meaningfulness of ownership, touch and nostalgia, all influential ingredients of the self. This research centers on interviews with 19 former readers of a weekly newspaper that shuttered. The findings illustrate the significance, usefulness and uniqueness of the printed newspaper. In particular, participants expressed a relationship with the printed newspaper, calling it “my paper.” Ultimately, this research argues that the loss of the weekly newspaper prompted a loss or lessening of self of the abandoned readers. Finally, this article argues this “print imprint” extends beyond printed newspapers and should be considered for all print products, including magazines and books, pointing to future research possibilities.

Untapped Potential? Exploring the ‘Latent’ Local Newspaper Reader in Digital Spaces

“…These findings resonate with our existing research and broader international literature around the important relationship between local news and social connection, especially the role newspapers can play in helping to connect people with one another (Hess, 2015;Fisher et al, 2022). They can advocate and generate a sense of community (Bowd, 2021;Matthews, 2021) and promote public, participatory and engaged journalism practices (Wenzel & Nelson, 2020). Such approaches to news, however, have often been overshadowed by normative approaches to journalism that celebrate the democratic and fourth-estate function of news that positions reporters as objective bystanders and truth-seekers.…”

“…Further, 61% stated that if they were to read a local paper, they would prefer to do so in print, compared with online (41%) or via social media (17%). As outlined above, there is also a growing number of academic studies that highlight the importance of print to readers in a digital world (see e.g., Jenkins & Neilsen, 2020; Matthews, 2021). The fact that social media users examined here also indicates a preference for print is perhaps especially profound.…”

“…Research also indicates that there has been an exodus of consumers away from traditional news sources (Macnamara, 2010) and print circulation continues to fall in many markets (Barthel, 2021;Thurman & Fletcher, 2018;Tiffen, 2015). However, there too have been recent studies highlighting the continued demand for printed newspapers, especially those serving rural and regional audiences (see Matthews, 2021;Leckner et al, 2019). This comes amid rising costs associated with printing and global paper supplies, which create challenges for the sustainability of such a medium (Mayers et al, 2022).…”

Examining audience perspectives on local newspaper futures

“…While the survey was distributed in digital format only – suggesting those who took part had at least some internet access – the results provide resounding evidence of a continued strong demand for the printed newspaper across rural and regional Australia, driven by the cultural and social appeal of a physical newspaper. Our previous research has highlighted – among others (see Jenkins and Nielsen, 2020) – how people develop a sense of place and familiarity by engaging with objects of news such as the printed newspaper and there is growing research that highlights the continued importance of print for news readers (see Matthews, 2021). Scholars such as Jenkins and Nielsen (2020) in their study of local newspaper managers, editors and reporters in the Global North, indicate there is a place for print – with many newspapers still generating 90% of revenue from the printed product.…”