From the Rose Law Group Reporter Growlery
By Phil Riske, managing editor
Digital newspapers are not tactile, not appreciative of the romance and history of the printed press.
I’m holding up a certain digit for digital news.
Backspin
In my radio and TV newscaster days, I was frustrated by the time limits that prevent thorough reportage. I broke into the newspaper business in the 70s — the days of the hot lead press (photo). The days when as editor I would design the pages with a pencil and a pica pole.
Page proofs came out on a thin sheet of paper, and the ink could be smeared easily because it was so greasy. I love the smell of ink in the morning.
Finally, the rumbling sound of the press handing out the day’s news — most of it too long for a radio or TV newscast.
While I accept and use digital news daily, it leaves me longing for the days when I delivered newspapers as a kid and when I would stand at the presses and watch my work bundled for the streets.
The forgotten consumer
Here are the problems — better yet shortcomings — of digital media: Millions of people — mostly the poor and senior citizens — don’t have personal computers or electronic devices to access the Internet.
These people must rely mostly on TV for news, and what they are getting is 2 percent, low-fat news.
And what every digital news consumer gets is interrupted by advertising one has to click-delete to get to the news.
I’d prefer to have a newspaper in my hand with my morning coffee instead of a mouse.
Related: ASU’s State Press stops printing after 120 years
