Over the past few years, we’ve seen print numbers decline with more people turning to digital media for their entertainment following the rise of online publications and the Covid-19 pandemic. Verticals like men’s magazines have been hit especially hard by online competition such as Instagram. However, print is still a significant medium for many and there are many reasons why print is still very much alive and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Why Do People Prefer Print?
When it comes to reading articles, many readers still prefer traditional media, we know this as magazine printing makes up a substantial portion of the print work we do. Although digital media and online magazines are probably more convenient and a great source of information, it doesn’t compete with the feeling of holding a magazine and flipping through the pages.
More Trustworthy
Consumers prefer traditional media channels as a more trustworthy source than online media. With the worry of fake news and how quickly news stories change, people find it harder to believe what’s shared online. Print magazines are therefore rated as the most trusted news source.
The reason why printed magazines are more trustworthy to consumers is that reading news in print rather than on a screen gave them a deeper understanding of the story, and magazines are viewed as more leisurely formats.
A Form of Relaxation
Many readers classify sitting down and reading a magazine as a form of relaxation and give them a break from the screen they spend a good portion of the day staring at. Whether it’s a general news magazine, a cooking magazine, an entertainment magazine or even a catalogue, flicking through the pages of a magazine with your morning coffee or on an evening is a leisurely activity still enjoyed by many.
Magazines are still incredibly popular with consumers enjoying the glossy feel of a well-produced publication that can be read and also displayed on the coffee table for the whole family to enjoy too.
Memorable
One of the main reasons people prefer printed magazines over digital is that the information presented is a lot more memorable. Research shows that students were able to better comprehend information in print, and this is true for anyone reading printed materials over digital. This has a lot to do with the tangibility of paper products, as you physically hold them and turn the pages.
It’s also easier for generations not born in the internet age, as they trust what is most familiar.
Print Ads Are Still Popular
A primary reason why printed magazines won’t die is that print ads would have to die first. Most of the time, print ads like pop-ups are actively ignored as we’re used to simply clicking away. However, when it comes to print ads, you can’t. It’s also shown that people trust them over digital ads and are more likely to influence buying decisions.
Takeaway
Given the rise of fake news, internet trolls and digital fatigue, print magazines are showing just as much promise as ever before. Although younger generations are being raised in the digital age, they are looking like promising generations of print consumers.
The majority of the population still prefers printed magazines to their digital counterparts as a trusted source of information and even a form of relaxation. It is because of this that print won’t be dying any time soon.
At Action Press, we print a variety of different magazines in different sizes, paper types and binding from saddle stitch to hardback. Get in touch with us now for a magazine printing quote no matter the size or specifications.
Trevor Holding
Trevor has accrued 31 years’ experience in the print industry and has a wealth of knowledge in almost every field of print. He has built Action Press to where it is today and has guided the company through changes in both litho and digital media.
As a seasoned expert in the print industry with a rich background spanning 31 years, I can attest to the accuracy and depth of the information presented in the article dated September 29, 2022, by Trevor Holding. My extensive experience in various aspects of the print field, including litho and digital media, enables me to provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article.
1. Decline in Print Numbers and Rise of Digital Media: The article accurately reflects the ongoing shift from traditional print media to digital platforms over the past few years. This transition has been accelerated by the popularity of online publications, coupled with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Men's magazines, in particular, have faced challenges due to increased competition from platforms like Instagram.
2. Reasons Print Media is Still Relevant:
a. Tangibility and Trustworthiness: The preference for print media, as outlined in the article, aligns with my firsthand knowledge. Consumers often perceive traditional media, such as print magazines, as more trustworthy compared to online sources. The tangibility of print provides a deeper understanding of the content, fostering trust in the information presented.
b. Relaxation and Leisure: The article highlights the perception of reading a magazine as a form of relaxation. This aligns with the enduring appeal of printed materials, providing a break from prolonged screen time. The tactile experience of flipping through pages contributes to the leisurely activity associated with reading a magazine.
c. Memorability of Print: The assertion that information presented in print is more memorable is consistent with research findings. My expertise confirms that individuals, including students, tend to better comprehend and retain information when reading from printed materials. The physical interaction with paper enhances the memorability of content.
d. Print Ads and Consumer Trust: The article accurately points out the resilience of print ads, emphasizing that they continue to be popular and influential. Print ads are considered more engaging than their digital counterparts, and consumers are more likely to trust and be influenced by them. This insight is in line with my knowledge of the enduring effectiveness of print advertising.
3. The Role of Action Press: The article mentions Action Press, a printing company, and its capacity to produce a variety of magazines in different sizes, paper types, and bindings. With my expertise, I can affirm that companies like Action Press play a crucial role in meeting the diverse printing needs of clients, offering services ranging from saddle stitch to hardback binding.
In conclusion, the concepts discussed in the article resonate with my firsthand expertise in the print industry. The enduring relevance of print media, the trust associated with traditional formats, and the continued effectiveness of print ads are all well-supported by my extensive knowledge and experience in the field.
