Positive forecast for African newspapers

14 May 2009

On 11 May 1870, South Africa's oldest independent newspaper was first distributed with an editorial saying: “We merely ask you to accept it, read the advertisements, and then make large purchases.” Their soft demand has worked - 140 years later the paper is still printing and the future direction of the paper remains positive despite widespread calamity in the industry.

Newspapers have long been hailed as the acme of the media. But, with many papers treading into an uncertain future, their headlines more often speak to their own demise than of their importance. However, in many parts of the developing world, the traditional newspaper remains a foundational news source.

Louise Vale, general manger of Grocott's Mail and the David Rabkin Project for Experiential Journalism, agrees that as long as the paper maintains itself as a voice for the community, it will not disappear.

In South Africa, internet access is very limited, similar to many other parts of Africa. “It [is] not a major threat to the newspaper's survival,” said Vale during a World Press Freedom Day event in Grahamstown, South Africa.

During the same event, chair Prakash Desai of Print Media South Africa said, “The quality of print journalism is far superior to any blog, web or TV journalism. They do not match the print contribution...this will ensure they (print) are here for eternity.”

In many parts of the world, the newspaper's permanence is appearing increasingly ephemeral. To survive anywhere into the future, newspapers will need to adapt to changing media trends, consumer demands and financial constrictions.

Article published courtesy of RAP21