Your browser does not support the PubReader view.
Go to this page to see a list of supporting browsers.
The Korean Society for Journalism & Communication (KSJCS)
[ Article ]
Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies - Vol. 68, No. 1, pp.231-268
ISSN: 2586-7369 (Online)
Print publication date 29 Feb 2024
Received 09 Aug 2023 Accepted 29 Jan 2024 Revised 30 Jan 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20879/kjjcs.2024.68.1.007

이용자가 본 종이신문 : 진단과 제언

이소은**
**부경대학교 미디어커뮤니케이션학부 조교수 petitsilver@gmail.com
Newspapers in the Eyes of Users : Analysis and Suggestions
So-Eun Lee**
**Assistant Professor, Pukyong National University petitsilver@gmail.com

초록

이 글은 종이신문에 대한 이용자의 인식과 의견을 다뤘다. 종이신문은 생활 속에서 자연스럽게 접하고 이용의 관습이 존재하는 미디어라는 점에서 체험적 성격을 가진다. 이용자들이 본 종이신문의 가장 큰 효용은 선별된 종합, 심층 정보로서 기사의 품질이며, 한눈에 들어오는 편집과 규격화된 형식은 이용자들이 느끼는 종이신문의 효용을 높여준다. 다만, 이러한 효용은 인터넷뉴스와 비교할 때 평가되는 상대적 효용으로서 제한된 의미를 지녔다. 종이신문의 가치로는 매일의 습관과 흐름이 주요하게 언급됐다. 신문읽기는 나에게 집중하는 힐링의 시간으로서 의미를 갖고 정보가 정기적으로 도착하기 때문에 흐름을 파악할 수 있다는 점에서 높이 평가된다. 한국 언론의 병폐로 지적되어 온 정파성이 신문의 장점이자 매력으로 인식된다는 점도 주목할 만하다. 종이신문 서비스를 고도화하는 방안에 대해서는 이용자들의 인식이 다양하게 갈렸다. 이는 종이신문의 기존 관습과 변화 가치 사이에 괴리가 있음을 보여준다. 언론사들이 이용자 유지 및 확보를 위한 미래 전략 수립 과정에서 서로 충돌되는 가치 중 무엇을 택할지를 판단할 필요가 있다. 이용자 진술을 바탕으로 이 글은 종이신문이 정보 가치를 넘어 개인적, 경험적 가치를 지님을 강조하고 종이신문의 미래를 위한 제언을 논의했다.

Abstract

This article explores readers' perceptions and opinions regarding newspapers. Despite the prevailing discourse of a newspaper crisis due to declining readership, print newspaper subscriptions still serve as the basis for government advertising expenditure, sustaining the business structure of media outlets. In terms of news production, the entrenched practices of 'print norms' within the media industry indicate the influence of newspapers in shaping labor and production conventions. Despite its significance, the use of newspapers has not received considerable attention. This study addresses the gap in understanding the ongoing value and meaning of print newspapers by exploring reader perspectives. Focus group interviews are conducted with current subscribers, individuals without prior newspaper engagement, and lapsed readers, providing a comprehensive understanding of diverse user experiences. Fifty-four people participated in the interviews, categorized into groups based on age and newspaper usage type. The comprehensive analysis of their statements revealed that newspapers, as a form of media encountered naturally in daily life, possess an experiential nature due to established usage customs and techniques. The primary value readers find in printed newspapers lies in the quality of meticulously selected and in-depth articles, with their easily digestible formatting and standardized layouts enhancing their utility. However, these values have a limited significance as they are relative when evaluated in comparison to Internet news. Reading newspapers is valued not only for the informative content but also as a healing opportunity for self-reflection and the ability to stay attuned to regularly arriving information. Daily routines and consistent habits emerged as key factors. Notably, the partisanship that has been criticized in the Korean media is perceived as an advantage and appeal of newspapers, driven by users’ sense of efficacy in interpreting and digesting partisan information. Diverse opinions emerged regarding ways to enhance newspaper services, highlighting a discrepancy between established newspaper practices and the potential for transformative value. The findings have three implications. Firstly, newspaper readers do not necessarily seek faster, more interactive information from newspapers compared to Internet news; instead, they demand more ‘classic’ values such as selectivity, depth, reliability, and the power of editorial and layout. Secondly, users perceive newspapers as a ‘medium of life’ that provides personal and experiential value beyond informational value. Habit, life, time, pleasure, romance, and healing are among the frequently mentioned values associated with newspapers. Thirdly, regarding the future strategies, readers’ expectations of 'newspaperness' varied. To shape the future of newspapers, each media organization needs to develop the core identity of newspapers. Responding to the challenges facing newspapers, this article proposes a three-pronged strategy for overcoming the "newspaper crisis": (1) comprehensive planning and branding that encompasses the entire news ecosystem, (2) the introduction of innovative design concepts, and (3) the cultivation of a customer-centric management mindset. Successful implementation hinges on a deep understanding of reader needs, as emphasized throughout this article. This work aims to serve as a springboard for further discussion and exploration of the evolving role of newspapers in the media landscape.

Keywords:

Newspapers, Readers’ Perceptions, Experiential Nature, Focus Group Interview

키워드:

종이신문, 이용자, 독자 인식, 체험, 초점집단인터뷰

Acknowledgments

This research is based on the report ‘Speaking of Newspapers’ conducted by the Korea Press Foundation, in which the author participated(본 논문은 저자가 연구에 참여한 한국언론진흥재단 2021년 조사분석서 《2021 신문을 말하다》의 일부를 수정, 보완한 것임).

References

  • Abernathy, P. (2018). The expanding news desert. Chapel Hill, NC: The Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media, University of North Carolina.
  • Abernathy, P. (2020). News deserts and ghost newspapers: Will local news survive? Chapel Hill, NC: The Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media, University of North Carolina.
  • Chang, B.-H. (2010). An analysis of competition among news media: Focusing on gratifications niche among newspaper, TV, and the Internet. Journal of Media Economics & Culture, 8(2), 99-132.
    장병희 (2010). 신문, TV뉴스, 인터넷 뉴스 간 이용자 충족 적소분석. <미디어 경제와 문화>, 8권 2호, 99-132.
  • d’Haenes, L., Jankowski, N., & Heuvelman, A. (2004). News in online and print newspapers: Differences in reader consumption and recall. New Media & Society, 6(3), 363-382. [https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444804042520]
  • Dillon, A., Richardson, J., & McKnight, C. (1990). The effect of display size and text splitting on reading lengthy text from the screen. Behaviour and Information Technology, 9(3), 215-227. [https://doi.org/10.1080/01449299008924238]
  • Eco, U. (1997). Cinque scritti morali. Bompiani. 김운찬 (역) (2018). <신문이 살아남는 방법>. 열린책들.
  • Eveland, W. P., Jr., Cortese, J., Park, H., & Dunwoody, S. (2004). How web site organization influences free recall, factual knowledge, and knowledge structure density. Human Communication Research, 30(2), 208-233. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2004.tb00731.x]
  • Han, S. (2018). Devastation of newspaper delivery system and distortion of sales market: Focusing on in-depth interview of sales manager. Korean Journal of Communication & Information, 89, 119-148.
    한선 (2018). 신문배달조직의 황폐화와 판매시장의 왜곡: 판매 담당자의 심층인터뷰를 중심으로 한 질적 연구. <한국언론정보학보>, 제89호, 119-148. [ https://doi.org/10.46407/kjci.2018.06.89.119 ]
  • Hong, S., & Kang, Y.-G. (2021). The rise of online news portal service and 20 years of change in the Korean newspaper industry. Journal of Communication Science, 21(3), 51-88.
    홍성철·강연곤 (2021). 포털 뉴스의 등장과 한국 신문산업의 20년 변화. <언론과학연구>, 21권 3호, 51-88. [ https://doi.org/10.14696/jcs.2021.09.21.3.51 ]
  • Jo, Y. (2016, March 20). The crisis of newspapers? The real crisis lies in the media that can do nothing but 'cherry-picking'. Media Today. Retrieved 1/8/23 from https://www.mediatoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=128639
    조윤호 (2016, 3, 20). 신문의 위기? 진짜 위기는 ‘삥 뜯기’ 밖에 못하는 언론에 있다. <미디어오늘>.
  • Jung, C. (2023, September 8). Is inflating newspaper circulation to 1 million copies 'exaggeration' rather than 'manipulation'? The Hankyoreh21. Retrieved 10/9/23 from https://h21.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society/54377.html
    정철운 (2023, 9, 8). 종이신문 100만부 ‘부풀리기’ 맞지만 ‘조작’ 아니다? <한겨레21>.
  • Jung, J. (2019). Leading readers, walking newspaper: Innovation must be pursued with the mindset that the era of paper newspapers is coming to an end. Newspaper & Broadcasting, 577. Retrieved 1/8/23 from https://m.blog.naver.com/kpfjra_/221431077641
    정재민 (2019). 앞서가는 독자, 걸어가는 신문: ‘종이신문 시대가 끝난다’는 마음으로 혁신해야. <신문과방송>, 2019년 1월호(통권 577호).
  • Jung, J., Lee, W., & Kim, Y.-J. (2005). Media competition and displacement: A niche analysis of network TV, cable/satellite broadcasting and the Internet. Korean Journal of Broadcasting and Telecommunication Studies, 19(4), 523-564.
    정재민·이화진·김영주 (2005). 미디어간 경쟁과 대체: 지상파방송, 케이블/위성방송, 인터넷의 적소분석. <한국방송학보>, 19권 4호, 523-564.
  • Kang, M., & Hwang, S. (2016). Case studies for successful local newspaper management. Social Science Research Review, 32(1), 229-257.
    강명선·황성욱 (2016). 지역신문 경영 활성화를 위한 국내·외 성공 사례연구. <사회과학연구>, 32권 1호, 229-257. [ https://doi.org/10.18859/ssrr.2016.02.32.1.229 ]
  • Kerr, M. A., & Symons, S. E. (2006). Computerized presentation of text: Effects on children’s reading of informational material. Reading and Writing, 19(1), 1-19. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-003-8128-y]
  • Kim, G., & Ha, J. (2020). YouTube as a news medium: A study on the competitive relationship among TV, newspaper, portal, and YouTube adopting the niche theory. Korean Journal of Broadcasting and Telecommunication Studies, 34(6), 189-236.
    김근식·하주용 (2020). 뉴스·시사정보 미디어로서 유튜브와 TV, 신문, 포털 간 경쟁 관계 연구: 미디어 이용자의 충족 자원에 대한 적소분석을 중심으로. <한국방송학보>, 34권 6호, 189-236.
  • Kim, K., & Kim, M. (2005). On differences between printed newspaper and online newspaper in information processing of audience. Korean Journal of Broadcasting and Telecommunication Studies, 19(2), 164-199.
    김관규·김무곤 (2005). 수용자 정보 수용에 있어서의 인쇄 신문 뉴스와 인터넷 신문 뉴스의 차이. <한국방송학보>, 19권 2호, 164-199.
  • Kim, N., & Kang, J. (2012). An exploratory study on the relationship between perceived media attributes. Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies, 56(4), 236-264.
    김남두·강재원 (2012). 매체 의존도에 영향을 미치는 요인들에 대한 탐색적 연구. <한국언론학보>, 56권 4호, 236-264.
  • Korea Press Foundation (2021). Media users in Korea 2021.
    한국언론진흥재단 (2021). <2021 언론수용자 조사>. 서울: 한국언론진흥재단.
  • Korea Press Foundation (2022a). Media users in Korea 2022.
    한국언론진흥재단 (2022a). <2022 언론수용자 조사>. 서울: 한국언론진흥재단.
  • Korea Press Foundation (2022b). Newspaper industry in Korea 2022.
    한국언론진흥재단 (2022b). <2022 신문산업 실태조사>. 서울: 한국언론진흥재단.
  • Kweon, S.-H., & Kim, W.-G. (2004). Differences between on-line and off-line media audience's news message processing. Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies, 48(3), 168-194.
    권상희·김위근 (2004). 뉴스 메시지 처리에 있어서 온라인 미디어 수용자와 오프라인 미디어 수용자의 차이. <한국언론학보>, 48권 3호, 168-194.
  • Lee, H., Shin, W., Lee, G., & Koh, J. (2011). The influence of newspaper experience on college students' attitudes toward newspapers. Seoul: Korea Press Foundation.
    이화행·신우철·이계성·고재학 (2011). <신문을 접한 경험이 대학생들의 신문에 대한 태도에 미치는 영향>. 서울: 한국언론진흥재단.
  • Lee, J.-H., & Yoon, C.-H. (2008). An empirical study on the substitution between Internet media and daily newspapers. International Telecommunications Policy Review, 15(4), 125-151.
    이지훈·윤충한 (2008). 온라인뉴스와 종이신문의 대체관계에 관한 실증연구. <정보통신정책연구>, 15권 4호, 125-151.
  • Lee, K. (2020). A study on design direction of newspaper brand design in the digital age: Focused on the brand renewal case of Hankook Ilbo. Journal of Basic Design & Art, 21(6), 393-405.
    이규락 (2020). 디지털 시대의 신문사 브랜드 디자인 방향성 연구: 한국일보의 브랜드 리뉴얼을 중심으로. <기초조형학연구>, 21권 6호, 393-405. [ https://doi.org/10.47294/KSBDA.21.6.29 ]
  • Lee, M. (2011). Differential effects by the mode of news report display between news-reading in paper and news-reading on a smart-phone to the perception of news values. Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies, 55(5), 105-127.
    이미나 (2011). 신문 기사 제공 방식의 차이에 따른 기사 회상과 뉴스 가치 인식 차이에 대한 탐색적 고찰. <한국언론학보>, 55권 5호, 105-127.
  • Lee, S.-E., & Pak, C. (2022). Datafication of news and journalism practices. Media & Society, 30(1), 5-50.
    이소은·박찬경 (2022). 뉴스의 데이터화와 저널리즘 실천: 충돌 혹은 괴리. <언론과 사회>, 30권 1호, 5-50. [ https://doi.org/10.52874/medsoc.2022.02.30.1.5 ]
  • Palmgreen, P., Wenner, L. A., & Rayburn, J. D. (1980). Relations between gratifications sought and obtained: A study of television news. Communication Research, 7(2), 161-192. [https://doi.org/10.1177/009365028000700202]
  • Park, H. (2019). Why the newspaper disappears: Journalism vs. media supplementation or substitution. Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies, 63(3), 69-114.
    박혜영 (2019). 신문이 사라지는 이유: 저널리즘 vs. 미디어 대체 가설. <한국언론학보>, 63권 3호, 69-114. [ https://doi.org/10.20879/kjjcs.2019.63.3.003 ]
  • Rhee, J. (2010). Media system and values of newspapers: Considerations of the crisis of Korean journalism. Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies, 54(4), 253-275.
    이준웅 (2010). 언론 체계와 신문의 가치 창출: 이른바 ‘신문 위기’에 대한 대안의 모색. <한국언론학보>, 54권 4호, 253-275.
  • Rhee, J., & Choi, Y. (2005). Causes of the crisis in Korean newspapers: Functional displacement in media use, provision of lower value, and trust crisis. Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies, 49(5), 5-35.
    이준웅·최영재 (2005). 한국 신문위기의 원인: 뉴스매체의 기능적 대체, 저가치 제공, 그리고 공정성 위기. <한국언론학보>, 49권 5호, 5-35.
  • Ruotolo, A. C. (1988). A typology of newspaper readers. Journalism Quarterly, 65(1), 126-130. [https://doi.org/10.1177/107769908806500117]
  • Ryu, S. (2011). Effects of the free use of Internet news and (un)satisfaction with newspaper contents on the intention of the newspaper subscription leave. Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies, 55(4), 233-260.
    류성진 (2011). 인터넷 뉴스 무료 이용과 종이신문 콘텐츠 (불)만족도가 종이신문 정기구독 이탈 의향에 미치는 영향. <한국언론학보>, 55권 4호, 233-260.
  • Sung, D., Kim, Y., & Kim, D. (2009). A study on characteristics of daily newspapers reader and news media use patterns of daily newspapers reader. Studies of Korean Science, 35(1), 177-214.
    성동규·김양은·김도희 (2009). 종이신문 이용자의 정치적 특성과 이용 패턴에 관한 연구. <한국출판학연구>, 35권 1호, 177-214.
  • Swart, J., Peters, C., & Broersma, M. (2017). Navigating cross-media news use: Media repertoires and the value of news in everyday life. Journalism Studies, 18(11), 1343-1362. [https://doi.org/10.1080/1461670X.2015.1129285]
  • Tewksbury, D., & Althaus, S. L. (2000). Differences in knowledge acquisition among readers of the paper and online versions of a national newspaper. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 77(3), 457-479. [https://doi.org/10.1177/107769900007700301]
  • The Hankyoreh (2020). 2020 The Hankyoreh digital transformation proposal. 한겨레 (2020). <2020 한겨레 디지털 전환 제안서>. 서울: 한겨레.
  • Tracy, M. (2020, August 5). Digital revenue exceeds print for 1st time for New York Times company. The New York Times. Retrieved 1/8/23 from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/05/business/media/nyt-earnings-q2.html