Newspapers need to kick it into high gear

By: Erin Floro

 Consumers buy newspapers in record numbers when a historical event happens.  Such was the case last week when Barack Obama was elected president.

 This enthusiasm for the post- election editions proves that newspapers still matter and are valuable keepsakes of a memorable event.  People can preserve these souvenirs better than YouTube videos or blogs. 

 Our nation also turned to newspapers after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and after Hurricane Katrina.  It shouldn’t have to be some shocking event to capture a reader’s attention.

 Circulation won’t be retained with vague news stories or boring accounts of civic meetings and press conferences.  Newspapers need to rejuvenate themselves and ignite their readers on a daily basis.  They need to report on stories that will grab people’s attention and pique their interest and then have them talking about it. 

If newspapers don't succeed in this they could possibly become extinct.