Print Newspaper Declines Impact Civic Engagement and Youth

As the landscape of journalism shifts significantly, major changes in print newspaper operations will occur on December 31, 2025. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will cease its print publication, while the Minnesota Star Tribune will close its printing facility in Minneapolis. The Star Tribune plans to print its newspaper in Iowa, but the earlier deadlines are likely to lead to a decline in print subscriptions. This transition to digital formats not only impacts readers but also diminishes job opportunities for paper carriers, historically a stepping stone for young people.

The experience of delivering newspapers has shaped the character of prominent figures, including veteran NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw and Senior U.S. District Judge John Tunheim. Both men attribute part of their civic understanding and responsibility to their early paper routes. Brokaw, who grew up in South Dakota, recalls how his time as a paperboy laid the foundation for his future career in journalism and public service.

In an insightful conversation from March 2009, Brokaw shared how delivering newspapers taught him the value of factual reporting. His newspaper route with the Minneapolis Tribune provided him with a view into the broader world, sparking his interest in civic engagement. When I reached out to invite him as the keynote speaker for the annual Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) awards banquet, I began my letter by acknowledging our shared history as former paperboys.

Brokaw accepted the invitation and spoke passionately about the future of American journalism. He posed the question: “Is it an Endangered Species or Will There Be a New Life Form?” His remarks highlighted the vital role of journalists in a democratic society, emphasizing the need for accountability and factual reporting during a time of newsroom downsizing.

Similarly, Judge Tunheim’s experience as a paperboy in the small town of Newfolden, Minnesota, shaped his understanding of community and civic responsibility. Delivering newspapers daily from grades five through nine, he witnessed firsthand how a well-informed citizenry engages in meaningful debates about government policies. Tunheim noted that most households subscribed to at least one daily newspaper, fostering a culture of informed discussions based on factual information.

In recent years, Tunheim has focused on civic education, advocating for initiatives like the Justice & Democracy Centers in St. Paul and Minneapolis. These centers aim to address the decline in civics education within K-12 systems, providing spaces for students and citizens to engage in constructive public dialogue. He expressed concern over the diminishing role of newspapers in shaping civic life, stating, “I think that contributed greatly to a sense of the importance of understanding the news.”

As of 2025, the demand for young paperboys and papergirls has drastically decreased. Yet, the need for children to learn interpersonal skills and community engagement remains. The decline of print newspapers raises alarming implications for the future of journalism and civic engagement. According to a recent report by the Pew Research Center, only 17% of U.S. adults paid for news in the past year, highlighting a troubling trend towards undervaluing credible journalism.

In a thriving democracy, access to factual information is essential for an informed populace. The erosion of print journalism jobs underscores the importance of supporting credible news sources to ensure vibrant economies and responsible governance. Without adequate funding for journalism, the risk of misinformation and disengagement from civic duties increases.

Brokaw and Tunheim’s experiences as paperboys reflect the foundational lessons learned through community engagement. The digital age has introduced challenges that threaten these lessons, emphasizing the need for a collective commitment to uphold the values of informed citizenship. As society navigates these changes, the legacy of print journalism serves as a reminder of the critical role that factual reporting plays in sustaining democracy.