By Matty Leonard
In today’s digital era, it is fair to make the argument that print journalism is on its way out. However, journalists in the business say this traditional medium is not fading away, but evolving.
College students feel pressure to pursue a career with a guaranteed steady income and job security, though this may keep people from obtaining an occupation they genuinely enjoy. One Western New England University graduate tells students they should follow their passion, even if they’re worried about the longevity and pay of a profession.
Lauren LeBel, a 2021 graduate of Western New England University, dealt with these pressures, as most students do when contemplating their career choice. While studying Communication at Western New England University, LeBel struggled to find a professional path that would make her happy. After considering all available options, she decided in her sophomore year to pursue the passion she always enjoyed– writing.
“Writing was always my strong suit.” Lebel continued, “It was always my favorite subject growing up.”
LeBel opted for the Media and Journalism concentration within the Communication major. This degree opens a diverse range of career opportunities. Some choose to work in broadcasting, whether that be on television, radio or through podcasts. Others may choose photography and enter a career in photojournalism for newspapers, websites, or magazines. One can also pursue a livelihood in media relations or analysis. The most popular choice is to follow a career as a journalist. LeBel did just that.
Journalism is an ever-changing profession. Some believe that the original form of print journalism may be dying. A major factor is the changing landscape of the news industry, with a shift toward digital platforms. This can create uncertainty for those in print journalism. Along with that, individuals are deterred from the job as it can include long hours, demanding deadlines, and relatively low starting pay compared to other jobs.
Despite the challenges in this industry, LeBel feels a deep passion for writing and has a desire to make a difference, whether it is through investigative reporting, feature storytelling, or covering local issues and events.
LeBel started her career through internships in the Springfield area, eventually landing a job at The Reminder Publications. Since 2020, she’s been working her way up the reporting ranks. LeBel began as a freelance journalist, writing two or three stories a week that covered local news and features. She did all of this while in her senior year “and juggling all [her] schoolwork.”
After graduation and freelance writing for nearly a year, LeBel was given a full-time position at The Reminder Publications as a staff writer. She was the lead reporter for the Palmer/Monson Reminder Weekly newspaper, which covers the towns of Palmer, Monson, Ware, Wales, Hardwick, Warren, Holland, and Brimfield, Mass. Recently she was promoted to the position of editor.
While it’s true that print journalism faces challenges in the increasingly digital age, LeBel and others say it’s premature to declare its demise. While recently speaking to a Journalism 100 class at her alma mater, LeBel explained to the students that news will always be needed, but how it’s shared with the public is always evolving.
LeBel’s perspective is echoed by others familiar with the profession. “The future for print journalism does not look bright,” said Robert Chipkin, a former journalist for the Springfield Republican and a longtime adjunct professor at Western New England University. “However, there is still a market for newspapers … that readers can hold in their hands and refer to at their leisure without having to spend time on the computer.”
Despite this digital revolution, print journalism still holds a special place in the hearts of many readers. LeBel said “people still do enjoy picking up the newspaper and reading it.” The experience of holding a physical newspaper or magazine, flipping through its pages, and engaging with long-form articles remains a cherished ritual for some.
According to Pew Research Center, the estimated total daily newspaper circulation in the U.S. fell 10% in 2022, yet journalists such as Chipkin are still confident the profession will flourish. He said, “there may be fewer and fewer outlets of print journalism, but the responsibility of the journalist to deliver fair and honest reporting remains fundamentally the same.”
However, print publications have recognized the importance of digital platforms and embraced them to reach a wider audience. Many newspapers and magazines now maintain robust online editions and websites, providing readers with instant access to news and feature stories.
The Reminder Publications, as LeBel explained, “post all [their] weekly articles online as well.” This digital presence allows publications to engage with readers in real-time, fostering a sense of community and interactivity.
Because the goal of all journalism is to capture the reader’s attention, print journalism has embraced multimedia storytelling to captivate an audience in an increasingly visual world. Individuals such as LeBel hold an advantage over others in this field, as she learned most of the required skills while studying at Western New England University. By concentrating on media and journalism, LeBel was placed in a variety of courses. She went through broadcasting, videography, journalistic writing, and mass communication classes, giving her an insight into all forms of journalism.
Another response print journalism has had to the changing media landscape is focusing on local news. These publications cater to specific interests and communities, offering in-depth coverage and analysis on topics that may not receive as much attention in mainstream national media.
Local news steps in with original reporting, offering specified content as the national media landscape continues to evolve. According to Chipkin, focusing on specific communities allows “print journalism… to influence public opinion… where it often sets the agenda for local officials and decision makers.” These hyper-targeted publications are likely here to stay, and The Reminder Publications proves that to be true. The newspaper recently celebrated 60 successful years, boasting over 430,000 readers.
The evolution of print journalism showcases its resilience and adaptability, proving that it can coexist with digital media.
As technology continues to advance, print journalism will undoubtedly continue to evolve, finding innovative ways to engage and inform audiences in the ever-changing media landscape.
