As technology continues to impact our lives, some consider newspapers and magazines a dying breed worldwide, so what about the print media in Plymouth? As a busy local media hub, we constantly monitor the way ahead for printed publications in the city.
In this post, our chief content creator, Chris Girdler who is the editor of The Plymouth Chronicle shares his personal insights into the future of the print media in Plymouth.
“I firmly believe that the future is free-to-read,” says Chris. “Free-to-read publications are definitely the growth area up and down the country and we’ve clearly seen this in Plymouth.
People need to pick up a newspaper or leaflet that lands on their doormat even if it is only to tidy their hallway. Of course, they don’t have to read it, but if it looks attractive and has an upbeat message, with an appealing cover and good teasers the chances are they probably will.
“Gauging by the feedback our Leaflet Distribution Team receives each week, this happens all the time. One reason for this is obviously the positivity we give to our coverage. Another is that the concept of free-to-read publications works so well. It’s a tried and tested concept!
“For example, The Metro newspaper in London, which is freely distributed on the tube. This was a unique concept at the time and was subsequently followed by the Evening Standard. These papers substantially increased their revenue when they went free.
Hyperlocal is key to the survival of print media in Plymouth
“This is where I believe the future growth of print lies. It’s in free hyperlocal publications like The Chronicle that will ensure the continuation of the print media in Plymouth.”
What about paid for print media in Plymouth? Chris is concerned paid for newspapers are facing increasingly challenging times – dailies at any rate as they are under so much pressure.
“I wouldn’t want to be the editor of a daily where circulations are dropping to just a few thousand. They can’t keep up with their digital content as most of what they publish has already appeared online. So, they are on a hiding to nothing. The future of print lies more with weekly or monthly publications that are reflective of what’s happening rather than news stories that break online.”
While online publishing is here to stay, Chris believes there is still a positive future for print media in Plymouth.
“Some consider print to be dead and it’s all about the internet. We’ve had this digital revolution and yet the tide seems to be turning…there’s nothing better than holding a magazine or newspaper in your hand, especially if you haven’t had to pay for it. This is why free-to-read publications can still be successful. This is where print media can still play a role especially when it comes to niche audiences.
“If you go into any newsagent you will see more magazines on the shelf than ever. Technology has made it much easier to produce specialist publications. People still like to read magazines about their hobbies whether it’s football or sailing or whatever they love doing.
“They like to flick through the pages, look at the photos, read the articles and pass them on to friends. We are also seeing a trend where readers are moving away from Kindles and back to buying hardbacks and paperbacks.
“So there is space enough for both online and in print publishing. However, I definitely think sensational newspaper headlines are a broken model. People are looking for more positive content that they can use and given that there is so much fake news online, they want a reliable source of news. Printed material is considered to be more authentic and can still deliver what readers want to read.”
What are your views on print media in Plymouth?
“We would love to hear what you think. At Cornerstone Vision we are committed to keeping the people of our city informed and inspired, reminding them of all the benefits of living in Plymouth.
“We are also committed to delivering results for our advertisers, whether it be through The Plymouth Chronicle, The Profile Magazine of the Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce or through our extensive leaflet distribution service.”
Chris Girdler
Chris is our Editorial Director at Cornerstone Vision and the editor of The Plymouth Chronicle. He has in journalism for over 50 years and has a sharp eye for a story. He uses his talent and experience to benefit Plymouth through ‘generous journalism’ that highlights positive news about the city.
