robjam.es

There has been a lot of talk about the death of newspapers as a physical entity. What amazes me about this argument, is the fact that there is any scepticism that this may not happen. The reality is that it is just a matter of time!

Is there any doubt that there will be no physical newspapers in 100 years? I think not. The challenge we have today, is that there is still several generations of people that are used to the physical paper. I am one of them. But as time goes on, I am more and more online to get my news. In fact, these days, rather than listen to the radio or read the paper on the morning, I read my RSS news feeds on my laptop over breakfast. I find that I can get to the more important and relevant articles for me – much more quickly. But sure, I may be an exception.

But what about my kids, that find their computer second nature? They will be the generation that will be alienated from physical newspapers. Add to that, the ongoing innovation that will occur in delivering the news. Who knows what is around the with news delivery; in shower interactive screens, re-usable screen ‘paper’ etc etc. This will simplify the interface for delivery and provide a mechanism for the slow death of newspapers. So it is not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’.