Do newspapers matter in the digital age? | Lisa DeSisto | TEDxDirigo

Summary

This transcript highlights the importance of journalism in today’s world, especially in the face of challenges like digital transformation. It emphasizes how newspapers continue to serve society by providing curated, trusted information. Through stories like the theft of onions from a school garden, newspapers have the power to spark national responses and change. The piece discusses the role of newspapers in protecting the public, telling people’s stories, and holding institutions accountable, while also addressing the evolving landscape of digital media and audience engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Newspapers and journalism are vital for protecting society, holding institutions accountable, and providing trusted information in a world full of unverified sources.
• 😀 Despite challenges like declining print circulation and shifting advertising revenue, newspapers still have significant opportunities in the digital age to reach wider audiences.
• 😀 The story of the stolen onions from a school garden in Maine illustrates the power of journalism in connecting communities and inspiring action.
• 😀 Social media platforms, especially Facebook, play a major role in amplifying journalism and helping stories reach millions more people than traditional print could.
• 😀 Newspapers are investing in more reporters, editors, and web developers to ensure high-quality, unbiased reporting in the digital era.
• 😀 The impact of journalism goes beyond news—by documenting personal histories, like obituaries, newspapers preserve community memory and bring people together.
• 😀 The role of journalism as a watchdog is critical, holding systems and corporations accountable for failures that affect the public, such as the Main Care Rides transportation scandal.
• 😀 Journalism can create real change, as seen in how stories have prompted donations and support for causes, like the 700 pounds of onions sent to a school after their garden was stolen.
• 😀 Newspapers' digital transformation requires a sustainable revenue model, as many outlets have struggled after providing content for free online in the past.
• 😀 The combination of print and digital formats, supported by new technologies like data visualizations and online tools, provides an opportunity for newspapers to thrive in a changing media landscape.

Q & A

Why is the future of newspapers considered vital despite challenges?

The future of newspapers is vital because they protect society by holding institutions, businesses, and individuals accountable. In an age of unverified information and abundant, low-quality content, newspapers and journalism provide curated, trusted, and verified information, which is more crucial than ever.

What was the significance of the stolen onion story in Waterville, Maine?

The theft of the onions from the school garden in Waterville was more than just a local event; it went viral after being reported by the Morning Sentinel. The story sparked widespread generosity, with over 700 pounds of onions donated by farmers across the country and a $250 check from a former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. This illustrates the power of local journalism and its ability to amplify stories beyond their original scope.

How did newspapers evolve to meet the challenges of the digital age?

Newspapers are evolving by investing in more reporters, photographers, and editors to ensure the stories are accurate, unbiased, and well-covered. They are also focusing on digital formats such as data visualizations, videos, and interactive tools to keep pace with the changing digital landscape.

What is an example of investigative journalism that the script highlights?

The script highlights the 'Unsettled' series, a 29-part, 46,000-word investigative report that took over a year to research. This series chronicled the story of Maine's Pasati people, covering uninvestigated murders, state conspiracies, and other crucial issues. It underscores the role of newspapers in providing deep, investigative journalism that serves the public interest.

Why are obituaries considered important in newspapers?

Obituaries are one of the most read and most valued features in newspapers. They are a vital way for communities to remember and honor individuals, and they have remained popular even with the rise of digital platforms. They provide a personal and historical record, and their importance is reinforced through social sharing and online condolences.

What role do newspapers play in holding public and private entities accountable?

Newspapers act as watchdogs by investigating and reporting on issues that affect the public. For example, the script mentions how the Press Herald uncovered how private contractors left people waiting for medical rides, leading to the revamping of the system. Journalism like this holds entities accountable and drives meaningful change.

How does the script describe the importance of high school sports in Maine?

High school sports in Maine are portrayed as a significant part of local culture. Newspapers invest in covering these events because they connect deeply with the community. The script uses the metaphor of families putting sports photos on their refrigerators to highlight how important these stories are to readers.

What challenges does the newspaper industry face, according to the script?

The newspaper industry faces several challenges, including declining print circulation, changing consumer habits, and the migration of advertising dollars to other platforms. Additionally, the rise of free content online has led to the implementation of paywalls to generate revenue from digital subscriptions.

How has social media impacted the reach of newspapers?

Social media, particularly Facebook, plays a significant role in amplifying and distributing newspaper content. Readers often encounter news stories through social media shares, where content is recommended by friends, which builds trust and increases engagement. This has allowed newspapers to reach a broader audience than ever before.

What personal experience does the speaker share about their time in sales and marketing for newspapers?

The speaker reflects on their years in sales and marketing for newspapers, particularly at the Boston Globe, where they witnessed the emotional and powerful impact of journalism. They describe covering significant stories like the Haiti earthquake and how the journalism inspired real-world action, such as medical aid donations.