Read All About It

Much is made these days about the decline of newspapers. Circulation numbers are dropping and reporters are getting laid off as people rely more on the internet and TV for news. Some also like to blame media liberal bias for the decline. People wonder if the printed news model will survive.

Notwithstanding these facts, I signed up for the nearest big-city newspaper after moving to my new location. There are several reasons why I still like newspapers:

• Coupons. If one plays the Sunday coupons right, big savings can abound which more than pay for the cost of the subscription. I though about getting just the Sunday paper, because its hard to read all of the paper everyday, but you can't just get Sunday. You can get Fri-Sun or Sat-Mon, but Sun-Sat costs the same as these options. If you're going to pay the same amount, might as well get the paper every day.

• Local happenings. I've found that the paper is the best way to find out about local events, like concerts, speakers, or polar plunges. You might be able to find this stuff online if you actively search multiple sites for it, but the paper just plops it in your lap.

• Local issues. I think it's important to know what's going on in your town, so you can vote effectively, decide if you want to live somewhere long term, become a full member of the community, and even enjoy local sports teams. The newspaper is the best way to become informed on local issues, unless your area happens to have good local radio shows or blogs, which isn't always the case.
  

For these reasons, I will continue to be a newspaper reader, even if it's soo 20th- (and 19th- and 18th-) century to do so.