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Media Facts Advantages Disadvantages Plus Radio Glossary of Terms Create a Profile

The U.S. newspaper industry has history going all the way back to the colonies. Newspapers enjoyed a long reign not only as the primary source of news and information, but also as the main advertising vehicle for brands, retailers, and even individuals within their markets.

Newspaper publishers faced and survived major challenges over the years from short broadcast newscasts on radio and TV, radio all-news formats, television news programs, and 24-hour cable news channel cycles, retaining subscribers and revenue streams.

In the 21st century, however, online and digital platforms affording real-time news coverage – including personalized news delivery – have made immediacy the order of the day. Publishers literally are faced with an "adapt or die" proposition. Some are adapting innovative strategies to expand their digital services to the consumer – others have closed down.

Newspaper publishers are changing their business models to curtail costs, expand access to content via digital platforms:

Reduction of home delivery schedules to 3 or 4 days a week, including Sunday
Some publications adopting these schedules continue to offer print editions at newsstands and other points
Others offer digital-only options on non-delivery days

Recognized channels for audited newspaper circulation data by the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM), formerly known as the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), are:

Print distribution (individually paid, business/traveler distribution such as hotels and airlines, and consumer copies that are non-paid or paid by someone other than the individual)
Digital Replica: Digital format containing all editorial and ROP ad content; may contain additional editorial and advertising. Circulation numbers not synonymous with daily Website visitors, page views, or other common web traffic terms
Digital Non-Replica: Digital format with same name of paper's AAM membership; may contain different editorial or advertising from the print version. Circulation numbers not synonymous with daily Website visitors, page views, or other common web traffic terms
Affiliated Publications: Print and/or digital editions reflecting a different name than AAM member; may contain audience-focused, alternative language or community papers

Newspaper readership

Overall, consumers reading traditional print newspapers are declining as digital newspaper readership numbers are on the rise. Convenience and technology are key when consuming print now.

9% of A18+ read any daily newspaper
8% of A18+ read any one daily newspaper
1% of A18+ read any two or more daily newspapers
17% of A18+ read any Sunday newspaper
14% of A18+ read any one Sunday newspaper
3% of A18+ read any two or more Sunday newspapers

Newspaper consumers are now reading digitally.

64% of 18+ read or looked into any electronic version of a newspaper, including website.

(Source: 2023 MRI-Simmons Fall Doublebase)

218 Million adults 18+ access news and information from newspapers every month.