As we age, technology progresses. With that progression comes the inevitable retirement of countless devices we have come to use throughout our daily lives. Some obsolete examples have been phased out, including rotary phones, floppy disks, CDs, pagers, cassette tapes, typewriters, etc. While some have been repurposed or had a comeback (vinyl records, we’re looking at you), most have faded into oblivion, written in history books to come.
Speaking of books, these printed paperback and hardcover reading materials have also dwindled in popularity. Newspapers, magazines, and other paper media all rely on the printing press, which has a history of its own.
Johannes Gutenberg is credited for the invention of the printing press; however, records show China was printing documents roughly 150 years prior. Wang Chen developed a woodblock printing process in 1297, but it took approximately 100 years (the year 1440) for the technology to reach Europe, which was when Gutenberg’s metal version emerged. Gutenberg’s invention used his own ink, designed to adhere to metal instead of wood. He also pioneered replica casting, the process of using a metal mold to create letters with lead.
As the printing press gained popularity throughout Europe and North America, the way in which people communicated vastly changed. Prior to this novel invention, literacy and education were only available to the elite and wealthy.
Through the years, the printing press has evolved and changed with time. However, in the past 25 years, critics are suggesting it will soon be obsolete. With the emergence of the digital age, press and printing rooms have dwindled, shuttering at staggering rates. The Los Angeles Times, for example, will close its downtown LA printing facility in 2024.
But what does all of this mean for the future of print publication? For some communities, newspaper companies are feeding a niche market, as they remain relevant and provide some of the only local news for small towns. Hyperlocal, pertinent news is still attracting many readers, which appeals to advertisers.
Printing is not a dying art; rather, the industry is seeing astounding growth in advertising. The Global Commercial Printing Market is expected to produce a valuation of $484.22 billion by 2027, an increase of 12 percent from 2021.
Pratik Mistry, author of “The Future of Print Industry in 2023 and Beyond,” said, “In America, 25,000 companies are specialists in commercial printing. It generates approximately $900 billion in revenue annually. Single-wide press with additional or all-color pages, a Jaw folder with quarter folding, and quality automation perfectly addresses the next chapter for newspapers.”
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At Econo Print, we strive to deliver the highest-quality printed products possible. We produce top-rated goods in a timely fashion at a competitive price. Listening to our clients and helping them achieve their business goals is our top priority. We are proud of the strong roots we’ve built in the community and pride ourselves on using cutting-edge technology. Our products, commitment to service, and level of expertise exceed our clients’ expectations. Contact us today to learn how we can help launch your business to the next level.Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/