Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. publication [puhb-li-KEY-shuhn] (n.) – the printing and distribution of a written material to the public
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. publication [puhb-li-KEY-shuhn] (n.) – the printing and distribution of a written material to the public
Example: Law does not allow any publication to write false stories about people.
2. media consumption [MEE-dee-uh] [kuhn-SUHMP-shuhn] (n.) – the amount of information taken by a person or group of people
Example: Media consumption of newspapers has decreased due to Internet’s introduction.
3. circulation [sur-kyuh-LEY-shuhn](n.) – the number of publication copies sold in a particular period of time
Example: In 2011, the circulation of printed magazines dropped by 50%.
4. so far [soh] [fahr] (adv.) – up to now, up to the present
Example: So far, Time Magazine seems to be one of the most popular news magazines in the world.
5. issue [ISH-oo or, esp. British, IS-yoo] (n.) – material that is printed and distributed
Example: The school newspaper published its first issue this year.
Article
Read the text below.
Read the text below.
After 80 years of publication, Newsweek, the second largest weekly news magazine in US, has decided to switch to an all-digital format. The new version of the magazine is called Newsweek Global, and is now available on mobile devices such as iPads, Kindles, and phones.
In the last decade, Newsweek has been struggling with problems related to changing media consumption, rising cost of printing, and decreasing income from advertising. These problems may be because people nowadays prefer free news on the Internet. In fact, research shows 39% of Americans read the news online.
In 2003, Newsweek’s worldwide circulation was 4 million; but by 2010, Newsweek’s circulation had dropped to 1.5 million. Also in 2010, billionaire Sidney Harman bought Newsweek for $1.00 and shouldered the company’s $40 million debt.
Newsweek then merged with The Daily Beast, an online news website owned by InterActiveCorp (IAC). Last year, Harman passed away and his family withdrew financial support from Newsweek, leaving the struggling company to IAC.
So far, Newsweek, which is known for its controversial covers, is the largest publication to stop traditional printing and completely switch to a digital format.
Newsweek’s last issue, which was dated December 31, 2012, featured an old photo of the Newsweek headquarters in New York and the title #LASTPRINTISSUE across the cover.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Where do you usually get the news? (TV, Internet, Newspapers, Magazines) Why do you prefer that medium?
· Why do most people nowadays prefer getting information online?
Discussion B
· What are the advantages and disadvantages of reading news in digital format?
· In the future, do you think that online publications will completely replace printed newspapers and magazines? Why or why not?