Amid the current decline in newspaper subscriptions, what measures can be taken to revitalize the industry?

Newspapers have made minimal advancements in the modern world, and their appeal has largely remained stagnant over the past decade or even decades. While the world has progressed significantly, newspapers have failed to keep up, contributing to their decline. In my view, the following are some of the reasons for the downward trend in the newspaper industry.

1. Inability to engage with readers: Newspapers typically prioritize publishing what the publisher deems important, rather than what the readers want to read. I recall a time during a road trip to Donegal, Ireland, when I came across a local weekly newspaper. Initially, I quickly flipped through the pages, but then I realized that I had missed something and decided to start over from the beginning. Although the content was completely unfamiliar to me, I found myself enjoying some of the articles, particularly the local coverage. Despite the outdated design, the paper was still able to capture my attention. I distinctly remember reading a fascinating story about a club match, which was so well-written that it drew me in, even though I knew nothing about the traditional rivalry between the teams. When I got off at the next station, I discovered that I was not the only one who had been captivated by the article and the match. This newspaper clearly understood the preferences of its readers and despite being a weekly publication in the age of instant news, it was thriving.
2. The lost art of storytelling: Storytelling is a form of art that many publications have overlooked, as much of their content is focused on reporting, which can often lack perspective. Unfortunately, people nowadays have lost their eagerness for the once most important part of the newspaper - the "Editorial" section. In the past, this section was the wise old man's space in the newspaper, serving as a reference point and a trusted source of truth for readers.
3. Shelf life of contents: The limited lifespan of newspaper content is a significant contributing factor to the decline of the industry. With most newspapers relying on repetitive content sourced from newswires and agencies, their shelf life is barely a day, except for larger publications. Unless a newspaper has fresh and engaging content, it will struggle to retain readers' interest, whether in print or digital format. Unfortunately, today's editors and reporters are often not as daring or innovative, leading to a lack of compelling content that fails to capture readers' attention in either medium.
4. Local flavour: The neglect of local news is a significant casualty in the pursuit of flashy content. To survive in the face of the pervasive influence of social media and maintain relevance, newspapers must prioritize incorporating a significant amount of local flavour into their content.
5. Catch them young: Another key reason for the decline in print media is its failure to capture the attention of the younger generation, namely Gen Z and millennials. These demographics view newspapers as a product of their fathers and grandfathers, and rightly so, as there is little to pique their interest. To reverse this trend, newspapers must redefine their content to include features, pages, stories, news, and information on topics such as startups. Offering exclusive print-only content such as interviews and structured information related to their interest could also be a game-changer in attracting younger readers and reviving the industry's prospects.
6. Better use of technology: It is surprising that newspapers have not made better use of technology to enhance their content. Augmented Reality (AR), for instance, could significantly increase reader engagement. For example, if newspapers embed match highlights or defining moments in the sports section, accessible through a mobile app, readers can enjoy an interactive experience at their own pace. Moreover, use of modern publishing tools and applications would bring publishing into the modern age and improve the overall appeal of newspapers.

In my opinion, if we acknowledge that newspapers have a future and adopt a more progressive mindset, we can make necessary changes and improve the industry's prospects.