A student reading a newspaper on a modern university campus, with digital screens in the background.

Print vs. Digital: Which UEM News Source Do Students Prefer?

Theo Raines in Culture & Society August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the surprising truth about how university students consume news and why print might still have a place in their media diet. Is Print Still Relevant? Explore the debate on print vs. digital news in academia."

In today's fast-paced digital world, it's easy to assume that print media is fading into irrelevance. However, a recent study at the State University of Maringá (UEM) in Brazil challenges this assumption, revealing surprising insights into how university students consume news and information. This article explores the findings of this research, examining the role of print media in the academic community and why it might still be a valuable tool for engaging students.

The rise of the internet and digital journalism has undoubtedly transformed the media landscape. News is now readily available at our fingertips, with online platforms offering instant access to information from around the globe. This shift has led to a decline in print readership, as many people turn to digital sources for their daily news fix. Yet, despite this trend, print media continues to hold a certain appeal, particularly in specific contexts like university campuses.

The UEM study, conducted between August and October 2011, aimed to understand the academic community's perception of the 'Informativo UEM,' a university newsletter. The research employed a quantitative approach, surveying students, faculty, and staff to gauge their preferences for print versus digital news sources. The results offer a compelling look at the enduring power of print and its continued relevance in the digital age.

Why Print Still Matters: Key Findings from the UEM Study

A student reading a newspaper on a modern university campus, with digital screens in the background.

The UEM study's findings challenge the notion that print media is obsolete. The research revealed that a significant portion of the university community still reads the 'Informativo UEM,' with print being the preferred medium for many. This suggests that print offers unique advantages that digital sources cannot replicate.

One of the key reasons for print's continued popularity is its accessibility. The study found that 97% of faculty and 92% of staff reported having easy access to the 'Informativo UEM.' This widespread availability ensures that everyone in the university community can stay informed, regardless of their digital literacy or access to technology. Print also offers a tangible and tactile experience that many readers find appealing. Unlike digital content, print media can be held, touched, and physically interacted with, creating a more engaging and memorable reading experience.

Accessibility: Ensures everyone stays informed, regardless of digital access.
Tangible Experience: Offers a tactile reading experience that digital can't match.
Focused Attention: Minimizes distractions, promoting deeper engagement with content.
Credibility: Often viewed as more trustworthy compared to online sources.

Moreover, print media can provide a more focused reading experience. Unlike online platforms, which are often filled with distractions like pop-up ads and social media notifications, print offers a clutter-free environment that allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the content. This can lead to better comprehension and retention of information. Finally, print media often carries a certain level of credibility and authority. In a world where misinformation and fake news are rampant, many people view print sources as more trustworthy and reliable than online platforms.

The Future of University News: Balancing Print and Digital

The UEM study highlights the importance of a balanced approach to university communications. While digital media offers undeniable advantages in terms of speed and reach, print still has a valuable role to play in engaging students, faculty, and staff. By understanding the unique strengths of each medium, universities can create a more effective and inclusive communication strategy.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5007/1807-0221.2014v11n17p16, Alternate LINK

Title: O Jornalismo Impresso Na Comunidade Universitária

Subject: General Engineering

Journal: Extensio: Revista Eletrônica de Extensão

Publisher: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC)

Authors: Adriana Strieder Philippsen, Danielle Peralta, Sebastião Gazola, Fernanda Lang Schumacher, Jennifer Kung

Published: 2014-10-09

Everything You Need To Know

What were the key findings of the study conducted at the State University of Maringá (UEM) regarding print media?

The study at the State University of Maringá (UEM) revealed that a significant portion of the university community still reads the 'Informativo UEM,' with print being the preferred medium for many. The research highlighted several key advantages of print. Accessibility was a major factor, with 97% of faculty and 92% of staff having easy access to the 'Informativo UEM.' Print's tangible experience and the ability to focus on content, minimizing distractions, were also identified as crucial. Furthermore, print media was perceived as more credible than online sources, making it a valuable tool for engaging students, faculty, and staff at UEM.

How did the study at UEM define accessibility for the 'Informativo UEM,' and why is it important?

The UEM study defined accessibility as the ease with which the university community could obtain the 'Informativo UEM.' This was assessed by the percentage of faculty and staff who reported easy access to the newsletter. The study found that 97% of faculty and 92% of staff had easy access. This high accessibility is crucial because it ensures that everyone in the university community, regardless of their digital literacy or access to technology, can stay informed about university news and information. Print's widespread availability ensures inclusivity and equal access to information.

What specific advantages does print media offer that digital sources may not, according to the UEM study?

The UEM study identified several unique advantages of print media. Print offers a tangible and tactile experience that many readers find appealing, allowing for physical interaction with the content, creating a more engaging and memorable reading experience. It also provides a more focused reading experience by minimizing distractions like pop-up ads and social media notifications, leading to better comprehension and retention of information. Print often carries a certain level of credibility and authority, making it appear more trustworthy and reliable compared to online platforms, especially in a world grappling with misinformation.

In what ways does the 'Informativo UEM' use print to enhance the reading experience for students and staff at the State University of Maringá?

The 'Informativo UEM' leverages print media to create a more engaging and effective communication channel for students and staff. The tactile nature of print allows readers to hold, touch, and physically interact with the newsletter, creating a more memorable experience. Print minimizes distractions, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the content, promoting better comprehension and retention of information. Print media's inherent credibility also enhances the newsletter's perceived trustworthiness, making the 'Informativo UEM' a reliable source of news and information within the university community.

What is the future of university news, and how did the UEM study influence the approach?

The future of university news lies in a balanced approach that integrates both print and digital media. The UEM study underscored the ongoing relevance of print, even in a digital age. It highlighted that print still has a valuable role to play in engaging students, faculty, and staff. By understanding the unique strengths of each medium, universities can create a more effective and inclusive communication strategy. This involves leveraging digital media for speed and reach, while simultaneously utilizing print for its accessibility, tangible experience, focused attention, and credibility. The study's findings suggest that universities should not abandon print but rather integrate it strategically to complement their digital communication efforts, ensuring a comprehensive approach to informing and engaging the university community.