University campus with students using both print newspapers and digital tablets.

Print vs. Pixels: Is University Journalism Stuck in the Past?

Samir D’Costa in Culture & Society August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how print journalism survives in a digital-first world, and what a university case study reveals about its surprising staying power."

In an era dominated by instant news and digital platforms, print journalism might seem like a relic of the past. However, it continues to play a significant role in specific communities, particularly within universities. This enduring presence raises important questions about the value and relevance of print media in the digital age.

While many predicted the complete demise of newspapers and magazines with the rise of the internet, print has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and persist. Journalists and media organizations have been forced to re-evaluate their strategies, focusing on in-depth analysis, local reporting, and unique content to attract readers.

A study conducted at the Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) in Brazil offers valuable insights into the continued relevance of print journalism within a university setting. The study examines the perceptions and usage of the 'Informativo UEM,' a printed newsletter, among faculty, staff, and students.

Why Print Still Matters on Campus: Key Findings from the UEM Study

University campus with students using both print newspapers and digital tablets.

The UEM study employed a quantitative research approach, surveying a representative sample of the university community to gauge their opinions on the Informativo UEM. Data was collected through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal several compelling reasons for the continued relevance of print:

A significant portion of the university community (81% of faculty and 73% of staff) actively reads the Informativo UEM. Access to the newsletter was reported as easy by 97% of faculty and 92% of staff, indicating effective distribution.

Print is Still Preferred: A clear preference for the printed format was observed, with 77.9% of faculty and 77.2% of staff using the print version for their reading.
Online Isn't Always the Answer: A substantial number of respondents (61.9% of faculty and 73.5% of staff) disagreed with the idea of discontinuing the print version in favor of an exclusively online format.
Information Needs Drive Readership: The primary motivation for reading the Informativo UEM is to find information and solutions relevant to their needs. Readers also value updates on university activities and decisions.

While the study highlights the continued importance of print, it also acknowledges the need for improvement. A considerable percentage of respondents suggested improvements to the newsletter's visual design. This indicates an opportunity to enhance the overall appeal and engagement of the print publication.

The Future of Campus Journalism: Balancing Print and Digital

The UEM study provides valuable insights into the enduring role of print journalism within a university context. While digital platforms offer undeniable advantages in terms of speed and accessibility, print continues to serve as a preferred medium for many, offering a tangible and focused reading experience. As campus news outlets evolve, finding the right balance between print and digital strategies will be crucial to effectively inform and engage the university community.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

Why does print journalism persist within university environments despite the prevalence of digital media?

Print journalism persists in university environments due to several factors highlighted by the Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) study. A significant portion of the university community still prefers the printed format for information consumption. Specifically, the 'Informativo UEM' remains relevant because it addresses the information needs of faculty and staff, offering updates on university activities and decisions. The tangible nature of print and its focused reading experience also contribute to its staying power.

What key findings from the Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) study demonstrate the continued relevance of print media on campus?

The Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) study reveals that a large percentage of faculty (81%) and staff (73%) actively read the 'Informativo UEM'. Furthermore, access to the newsletter is easy for most, with 97% of faculty and 92% of staff reporting ease of access. A substantial number of respondents, 61.9% of faculty and 73.5% of staff, disagreed with discontinuing the print version in favor of an exclusively online format, clearly indicating that the printed format is still preferred (77.9% of faculty and 77.2% of staff). These findings demonstrate that print continues to serve an important function within the university community.

What motivates faculty and staff at the Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) to read the 'Informativo UEM'?

The primary motivation for reading the 'Informativo UEM' among faculty and staff at the Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) is to find information and solutions relevant to their needs. Readers also value updates on university activities and decisions provided by the newsletter. This suggests that the content of the 'Informativo UEM' aligns with the informational requirements of its readership, reinforcing its relevance and readership.

What improvements were suggested for the 'Informativo UEM', and what do these suggestions imply for campus journalism?

A considerable percentage of respondents in the Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) study suggested improvements to the 'Informativo UEM's visual design. This implies that while print is still valued, its presentation needs to be appealing and engaging. For campus journalism, this highlights the importance of not only providing relevant content but also ensuring that the publication is visually attractive and easy to read. This could involve improving the layout, typography, and use of images to enhance the overall reader experience. It connects to balancing both print and digital formats.

How can campus news outlets strike a balance between print and digital strategies to effectively engage the university community?

To effectively engage the university community, campus news outlets should strategically balance print and digital media. While digital platforms offer speed and accessibility, print provides a tangible and focused reading experience. The Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) study suggests that print publications like the 'Informativo UEM' should focus on in-depth, locally relevant content that meets the informational needs of the community. Simultaneously, digital platforms can be used for breaking news and interactive content. By understanding the strengths of each medium and tailoring content accordingly, campus news outlets can optimize their reach and impact.