A proposal for a digital newspaper
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.
Preparation
There are plans to stop production of your university newspaper. You feel that the newspaper should be saved. You decide to write a proposal to the university suggesting a digital version of the paper.
A proposal for a digital version of the university newspaper
Introduction
This proposal intends to outline how a digital version of the university newspaper, The Scallion, could function and aims to show that an online paper is viable for the future of the newspaper. It draws on the views of 3,000 students surveyed in May.
Background
The Scallion is printed weekly and distributed free in faculty buildings, with a readership of approximately 10,000 students. It is written and produced entirely by students. The survey shows that the newspaper is highly valued by university students and staff for entertainment, cultural enrichment and work experience.
Current problems
The cost of printing newspapers is significant. Furthermore, some students do not have easy access to the paper, since the only way to obtain a copy is to physically go to university. An additional environmental issue is that a large number of copies end up as litter on campus.
Proposed solution
It is proposed that the newspaper could shift to an online format. An overwhelming majority (95 per cent) of survey respondents were 'keen' or 'very keen' on this.
The key benefits would be:
- Lower costs. Electronic publication is much cheaper than printing, and the website would require minimal maintenance. Although there are considerable initial costs of developing a website, these would be offset over time.
- Improved accessibility. Students unable to collect a copy and those with visual impairments would be able to read the paper online.
- Eco-friendliness. A website would reduce paper usage and produce no litter.
- Digital media experience. For student journalists, gaining experience in running a web-based news site would be invaluable for any job which involves digital communication.
Drawbacks
One issue is information management. The site would have to comply with data protection and privacy laws. Advice should be sought from the IT department.
Another drawback may be personal preference. Twenty-five per cent of survey respondents liked having a physical paper to flick through in a café. However, as this is a minority view, I would suggest that the benefits of the online paper outweigh the inconvenience on this issue.
Conclusion
The results of the consultation suggest that moving the paper online is the best option given that it would reduce costs, be more environmentally-friendly and reach a larger audience. A change to a digital format is therefore recommended to maintain the benefits of the newspaper while addressing its current difficulties.
Tips
- Start by reading the question carefully. Brainstorm all your thoughts about the proposal first. Then choose your best ideas and plan your paragraphs.
- Use subheadings to make the structure clear. Start by stating the aim of the proposal (Introduction) and giving information about the context (Background).
- Next, move on to the Current problems and your Proposed solution. You can also mention the Drawbacks and how to address them before you finish (Conclusion).
- You should use an impersonal, formal tone for your proposal. Passive verb forms (e.g. It is proposed that … , Advice should be sought …) are a useful way to avoid I think or You should.
- The final section should include an overall recommendation based on your previous points.
Do you prefer to read a newspaper online or on paper?
It's an important question, also because, at any rate in my country, the daily newspapers are selling less and less in print format. After all, I don't buy them anymore either and I prefer reading them on line, even though I notice that on line reading does not foster concentration and memory.
I personally prefer reading newspapers online because it’s more convenient and accessible. I can check the news whenever I have a few minutes, and I can easily compare information from different sources. However, I still enjoy reading a newspaper on paper from time to time because it feels more relaxing and less distracting. So, although I prefer digital newspapers, I think both formats have their advantages.
I prefer to read a newspaper online because it is more convenient and accessible. I can read the news anytime and anywhere on my phone or computer. It also saves paper and helps reduce waste. However, I sometimes enjoy reading a newspaper on paper because it is more relaxing.
I prefer to read a newspaper online. The main reason is convenience: I can access it anytime and anywhere without needing a physical copy. Online newspapers are also updated more frequently, which means the information is more current. Another important factor is sustainability, since digital formats reduce paper waste and are more environmentally friendly.
That said, I do enjoy the experience of reading a printed newspaper occasionally, especially in a café, because it feels more relaxed and tangible.
In conclusion, while I appreciate the charm of paper, my everyday choice is the digital format because it is faster, more accessible, and eco-friendly.
Johanatan Valdez
Reading the newspaper on paper can improved retention, reduce distractions, it is a tactile experience and less screen time can reduce eye strain.
Introduction
This proposal intends to convince the university administrators and students of the importance of keeping the physical newspaper The Scallion and the digital version as well.
Background
The Scallion newspaper has been the main information centre for decades for the university community. Around 10.000 students read it daily and it is highly appreciated since it is made by students and for students.
Drawbacks
It is well known that it is free printed, which causes paper waste, littering on the campus and high cost for the university.
Proposed solution
Taking into consideration the problems mentioned before, what this proposal pretends is to approve the digital version but some physical copies are going to be printed as well for the people that may not be digital friendly.
Conclusión
it is important to evolve to the digital version but we can not completely forget the physical one since that is part of the university culture and many people feel represented and connected when they read the physical newspaper.
Introduction
The aim of this proposal is to show how the university would benefit from changing the paper edition of the university newspaper to a digital version.
Background
The university newspaper is highly liked from both staff and students, and it has a readership of 1000 subscribers.
The paper is a popular place to work alongside studies, and many students have gotten good working experience from working for the paper.
Current problems
Unfortunately the paper edition has become too expensive to produce, and it is also littering campus in the places where the paper is set up for free usage.
Proposed solution
It's proposed that the paper switch to a digital format, and become fully digitalised. This will drastically reduce costs and make sure the paper survives to see a new day. This will also make sure that the litter problem is solved. While there are some costs in creating a new webpage, this will not be nearly as much as running and printing a physically newspaper. The students that work for the paper will now get experience with digital marketing and design, which are great work-life skills that are much sought after.
Conclusion
A digital newspaper is the solution to the university papers present problems, and it will ensure a good newspaper option for the sutdents and staff at the university.
I prefer read a newspaper online instead of paper because when you read online cut off less tree and transfort is easier.
For many years I've bought my favourite newspaper by the kiosk, but, by now, I read it on line.