…possibly because they are.
Recently on Clemson’s campus USA Today has come up with a new initiative known as the USA Today Collegiate Readership Pilot Program (woah, that’s a mouthful). The program offers both USA Today and The New York Times in several central locations around campus including the post office and dining locations.
I saw the newspaper stand yesterday while walking through the post office, and while I did grab a copy of USA Today, I couldn’t help but to ask myself ‘Is this program really for the students?’ Of course, it’s wonderful for students to be exposed and have the opportunity to read two of the nation’s most prestigious newspapers, but students can do that online. This leads me to believe that this “collegiate” readership program isn’t really so “collegiate afterall.
My speculation is that readership for USA Today and The New York Times are probably down due to several factors (that I really haven’t researched, but seem quite evident including online readers, people cutting out unnecessary expenses aka newspaper subscriptions, etc.), therefore they’re looking to new readers and audiences. And in this particular instance they’re hoping to gain more of a “collegiate” readership.
This collegiate readership program sounds like a good idea, but is it really? If you think about it us college kids are the ones who’ve grown up with computers, have always had a computer, and when we need to know something or figure something out, we go straight to the computer. I know I personally catch up on news and read several different newspapers online each day, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Yes,as collegians it’s nice to have real copies of these publications at our finger tips, but unfortunately you can’t teach an old dog (yes, I’m referring to college students) new tricks like actually picking up a newspaper and reading it. It’s a noble effort, but I wouldn’t count on a major boost in subsricption to these publications from the 18-22 year old bracket.
We all know the newspaper’s on its way out. Do you think there’s any way to save newspapers? How do you feel about the USA Today Collegiate Readership Program?
Keep me posted!
3 Comments
April 1, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Hey Lauren,
I guess I have a little bit of expertise about this program since I just wrote and article on it last night to be published for the Tiger.
I think the program is a great idea! Many students don’t read the paper, because 1.) they have to pay for a subscription or 2.) they are not in convenient locations.
This program is hoping to produce more globally informed citizens. I think this makes Clemson look very good if we are walking around reading the NY Times and USA Today! haha.
Yes, while it is true that newspaper industry is struggling because of online news, I still prefer to read long articles on print. I look at the computer almost all day. Sometimes my eyes need a break.
Do you think this program will increase the number of students who stay in tune to the news?
April 1, 2009 at 3:59 pm
[...] Today Collegiate Readership Program 1 04 2009 I posted a comment on Lauren Gaulin’s post about the USA Today Readership Program on Clemson University’s campus. This program provides [...]
April 1, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Hey Alyssa!
I’m glad you know more about the Collegiate Readership Program! While I don’t necessarily think this program will increase the number of students who stay in touch with the news, but I do think this program will change HOW students keep in tune with the news. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a great program. I just wonder if it’ll really spike readership among the collegiate crowd. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Looking forward to reading your article in The Tiger!