Print production, which is arguably the first form of mass communication, still holds a place within media (Pavlik & McIntosh, 2017). Print media serve social functions, such as “cultural transmissions from generation to generation, the diffusion of ideas and knowledge, and entertainment” (Pavlik & Mcintosh, 2017, p. 64). Although the early forms and social functions of both magazines and newspapers are interwoven, magazines continue to hold advantages over other relevant paper-produced products, such as newspapers. Therefore, magazines will outlive newspapers.
Many magazines are thriving due to their relevance, aesthetic, timeliness, and accessibility (Bonner & Roberts, 2017). A study done by Bonner and Roberts suggests that, “lumping magazines in with newspapers is unfair to magazines—and inaccurate when assessing readership trends and audience perspectives of product value” (pg. 2, 2017).
Unlike newspapers' traditional news coverage, magazines are a more of a leisurely activity surrounding niche, individual markets and are consistently allowing space for new trends and designs (Bonner & Roberts, 2017). Magazines remain relevant because they continue to find ways to meet the readers’ uses and gratifications, and therefore will outlive newspapers (Bonner & Roberts, 2017). Although the production of print media is costly, the physical feel of print outweighs the convenience and accessibility of digital content (Bonner & Roberts, 2017).
Three clear factors distinguish magazines from other print sources. Magazines feature long-form writing, are published in less frequent intervals which results in less time-sensitive writing and more in depth pieces, and are published on high quality paper to be kept longer (Pavlik & McIntosh, 2017). Magazines offer sophisticated design techniques and long-form writing, unlike newspapers, and will therefore outlive newspapers.
Much of today’s content is produced and read online and, “reading linear narrative and expository texts on a computer screen leads to poorer reading comprehension than reading the same texts on paper” (Mangen, Walgremo & Bronnick, 2013, p. 67). Our brains use physical cues, such as the position of the pages and the thickness of the book itself to help in the memory process when reading (Mangen et. al, 2013). These physical cues are eliminated when reading online, and will therefore keep print alive.
Although print magazines seem secure for today’s generations of digital natives, it is near impossible to determine the future of print media within future generations (Pavlik & McIntosh, 2017). That being said, thanks to high quality production and trend awareness, magazines sales are growing, and in most cases, are exceeding newspaper sales (Pavlik & McIntosh, 2017).
Bonner, E., & Roberts, C. (2017). Millennials and the future of magazines: How the generation of digital natives will determine whether magazines survive. Journal Of Magazine & New Media Research, 17(2), 1-14.
Pavlik, J.V., & McIntosh, S. (2017). Converging media: A new introduction to mass communication. 5th ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Mangen, A. & Walgermo, B. & Bronnick, K. (2013). Reading linear texts on paper versus computer screen: Effects on reading comprehension. International Journal of Educational Research. 58. 61-68. 10.
I agree that magazines will always be around! I much prefer holding and reading a magazine as opposed to reading something digitally or online. I enjoyed reading all your research that enforces magazines still, and always will, have a place in mass communication.
ReplyDeleteI like your comment on the niche nature of the Magazine. Some may come and go but as long as there is enough people interested in something the magazine will always be around.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Emma!