Whether you’re a historian or simply interested in the history of journalism, there are certain stereotypes about newspaper archives that you should be aware of. These include source, efficacy, insight, and impact. Despite these common misconceptions, newspaper archives can be valuable sources of information.
Insights
When it comes to newspaper archives, people often have a preconceived idea about what to look for. Luckily, there are several ways to ensure that your newspaper is accurate. You can start by reading articles by authors who have studied newspaper archives. For example, J.D. Stevens has written about The Front Page, and Philip Hanson has written about the 49th Parallel.
Sources
Newspaper archives are an excellent way to research your ancestors. Fortunately, many newspapers are already available in digitized form, and you can search for them for free with the help of a newspaper database. PressReader is one such database that gives you access to newspapers from around the world. You can choose between historical trade publications and newspapers from the past three months, as well as historical articles and photos.
You can also search newspapers on the Internet for a specific city or county. For example, if you want to find old newspaper issues from Maine, you can look through the newspaper archive of the town of Houlton. The database contains over 52 million pages.
Impact
When it comes to newspaper archives, the New York Times is guilty of perpetuating stereotypes and misrepresenting the truth. The Times failed to cover issues that affected non-white communities, including poverty, crime, and inspirational stories. This lack of diversity in reporting hurt individuals, communities, and the nation.
Stereotypes can be both positive and negative. Usually, they focus on race or gender, but many other types of stereotypes exist. For instance, a stereotype may be that men are good at math and science. Or, a stereotype may be that American tourists are rude. Have your students share examples of stereotypes that they have heard.
Efficacy
Newspaper archives can be a valuable source for researchers. They offer a snapshot of a period and provide information on who people were and what they bought. They also serve as secondary sources, providing information about a particular event. However, they do have their limitations. Newspapers are expensive and may not be readily available, but they can still prove valuable.
Newspapers are still relevant and can increase brand awareness and drive sales. They are an effective form of mass media, and the proper advertisement can drive brand recognition and sales.
Continuity
The term “continuity” is used in various ways in newspaper archives. Traditionally, it is used to refer to the storing of published newspaper and magazine issues, including photos and clippings. Continuity in newspaper archives occurs when the same news item appears on different days in multiple publications. For instance, a newspaper may publish a piece of background information that does not relate directly to the news event but is essential for understanding the situation. Often, this information is considered off-record information and therefore does not make up a part of the news event.