Blog

I’m one of the rare folks in the under-40 demographic who reads two dead-tree newspapers every day. Although I routinely scan dozens of RSS feeds, and I work for a technology-focused company, nothing beats the morning paper with breakfast.

It’s easy to find evidence to supports the newspapers-will-wither-and-die argument, but I’ve always been skeptical. So Shel Holtz’s recent stance – that we’ll be able to buy a newspaper from a rack on the street in 10 years – immediately grabbed my attention. He’s so confident that he has wagered $100 with Jose Leal.

Leaning on his print journalism roots, Shel presents his case but balances it with opposing views. One prediction is especially insightful:

My guess is that their focus will be hyperlocal. How good is the web for finding out about the dry clearners opening up down the street or the outcome of the town hall meeting? It doesn’t pay for Joe’s Tavern to advertise on the web when Joe’s customer base is limited to people who live within a two-mile radius. It does pay to advertise in a newspaper that lands on everybody’s front door, that people pick up before they board the train for the city.

Newspapers (and their web sites) still hold an edge in local content that isn’t matched anywhere online. Local web-based journalism efforts such as MinnPost are rare. Area entertainment and lifestyle sites generally don’t gather daily news. Bloggers may discuss local issues, but they usually seek to persuade.

The delivery of quality journalism – whether it’s through web sites, RSS, social media, dead trees or new approaches yet to be imagined – will certainly evolve. But until there’s another alternative to learn about last night’s school board meeting, check the high school football scores or scan the obituaries, newspapers will remain. Door-step delivery may not be the primary distribution method in 2018, but I’m confident it’ll be an option – and Shel will collect his $100.