NEWSPAPERS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

INTRODUCTION
A newspaper is a publication printed on paper and issued regularly, usually
once a day or once a week. It gives information and opinions about
current events and news. Usually people like to read them to stay informed
about their local city, state or country. Newspapers can be delivered to one's
home, by subscription. One also can buy a newspaper at a store or at a
newsstand. Recycling of paper is common. It may be converted to
new paper, for example.

Newspapers usually have many topics. They usually

include political events, crime, business, sports, and weather news.
Newspapers use photographs to illustrate stories; and also often
include comics and other entertainment, such as crosswords and horoscopes.
Many have opinion sections. These sections print the opinions of people
who work for the newspaper. The opinions, which are usually on stories in
the news, are called editorials. Opinion sections usually also print short
letters from people who read the newspaper.

Newspapers cover different columns, and each column is reserved for a

particular topic. The employment column provides information related to
jobs. This column is very useful for youth who are searching for suitable
jobs. Similarly, there are other columns such as the matrimonial column for
finding the perfect match for marriages, a political column for news related
to politics, a sports column for analysis and opinion on sports updates, etc.
Other than this, there are editorials, readers, and critics’ reviews that provide
a wide variety of information.
The most important news events typically appear on the front page of the
first section of the paper. Most newspapers are divided into sections.
Typically sections include nation/international news ; local news; sports
news; entertainment/amusements; classified advertisements; and
neighborhood news.

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HISTORY OF NEWSPAPERS

Over the course of its long and complex history, the newspaper has
undergone many transformations. Examining newspapers’ historical roots
can help shed some light on how and why the newspaper has evolved into
the multifaceted medium that it is today. Scholars commonly credit the
ancient Romans with publishing the first newspaper, Acta Diurna, or daily
doings, in 59 BCE. Although no copies of this paper have survived, it is
widely believed to have published chronicles of events, assemblies, births,
deaths, and daily gossip.

In 1566, another ancestor of the modern newspaper appeared in Venice,

Italy. These avisi, or gazettes, were handwritten and focused on politics and
military conflicts. However, the absence of printing-press technology greatly
limited the circulation for both the Acta Diurna and the Venetian papers.

Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press exponentially increased the rate at which printed materials could be reproduced.

Milestoned – Printing press – CC BY 2.0.

Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press drastically changed the face of

publishing. In 1440, Gutenberg invented a movable-type press that permitted
the high-quality reproduction of printed materials at a rate of nearly 4,000
pages per day, or 1,000 times more than could be done by a scribe by hand.
This innovation drove down the price of printed materials and, for the first
time, made them accessible to a mass market. Overnight, the new printing
press transformed the scope and reach of the newspaper, paving the way for
modern-day journalism.

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IMPORTANCE OF NEWSPAPERS
Newspaper is quite a powerful tool that circulates information to people. It is
one of the greatest means of communication between people and the world. In
addition, they are also a great medium of knowledge. We get our daily dose of
news from newspapers early in the morning. It is quite a reliable source which
gives us information only after thoroughly investigating the information.

Newspapers are easily available in the most remote regions as well. They are
also very economical which gives an abundance of information at really low
cost. Most importantly, newspapers are published in various languages that
make it easier for people of all regions to get news in their local language.
Thus, we see how newspapers have numerous advantages that help the
common man stay informed of the worldly issues.

In this way, newspapers become not only news carriers but also creators of
public opinion. The editorial of newspapers is in a way, responsible for
forming public opinion and providing guidance to public thinking. The

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critical remarks of the editor stimulate our views on the subject. We must
always remember that the editors of renowned papers are statesmen of no
mean repute. They are specialists of world history and also completely
aware of the various problems of their own country. Reading their views has
an educative value.
The success of a democracy is dependent on an enlightened voter and the
voter receives his education from a close and critical study of the opinions,
expressed in the editorials.

A newspaper plays a vital role in a democratic society. It helps to mould and

shape a public opinion. It regulates our thoughts. Actually, it serves the
purpose of a book, pulpit, platform and forum all rolled into one. It discusses
questions on various subjects like religion, literature, politics, commerce,
science, agriculture and so on. It can be aptly called ‘The people’s
university.

A newspaper relieves a person of monotony of life. In the pages of a

newspaper, a person tired of his day’s work finds rest and entertainment.

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CONCLUSION
The newspaper has created a positive impact on society. It helps people
become aware of current affairs and stay curious about them. When the public
will question, it means they are aware. This is exactly what a newspaper does.
It is also the finest link you can find between the government and its
people. Newspapers provide people with every detail no matter how small.

Furthermore, it helps us become informed citizens. Whenever there are any

changes in the rules and regulations of the country, newspapers make us aware
of them. Moreover, they are very informative for students. A student can learn
all about general knowledge and current affairs from here. We stay updated
with the technological advancements, government policies, research studies
and more.

Other than that, newspapers also have incredible articles that tackle social
issues, cultures, arts, and more. It conveys the public opinion to the people on
important issues. This will, in turn, help people review the government and
ministers well. Similarly, people get great employment opportunities from
newspapers. Those seeking jobs look through newspapers to get reliable job
opportunities.

In short, the newspaper carries a lot of significance for humans. If we read the
newspaper daily, it can develop our reading habit and make us more fluent. It
also has mind-brain exercise games like puzzles, Sudoku and more to sharpen
people’s brains. Furthermore, you can also go through the comic strips and
cartoons to keep yourself entertained.