Are predictions of newspapers’ impending demise exaggerated?

The widespread view that newspapers, even in Australia, are suffering major declines is flawed, reflecting in part a North American and Eurocentric view of the press. Australian newspapers are faring better than many in the developed countries. Quality newspapers, with their clearly defined and targeted markets, are outperforming their tabloid counterparts. A fair assessment of newspaper performance needs to consider not only the circulation figures, but also readership and newspapers’ online reach. The latter is significant, as unlike the US and the UK, the main newspaper publishers Fairfax and News Limited dominate the online news field. Regardless of quantitative measures, newspapers have unique properties that will probably ensure newsprint’s survival in the digital era.