Print Circulation: What It Means for News Today and Why It Still Matters

When we talk about print circulation, the number of physical newspapers distributed daily to readers. Also known as newspaper circulation, it's the heartbeat of traditional journalism—even as screens take over. You might think it’s all gone digital, but millions still pick up a paper every morning. In the UK, that’s not just nostalgia—it’s a measurable audience that advertisers still care about, and newsrooms still track closely.

Take The London Gazette, the oldest continuously published newspaper in the UK, dating back to 1665. It doesn’t have millions of readers like it once did, but its print run still carries official notices, legal announcements, and government notices that legally require physical publication. Then there’s The Guardian, a paper that’s gone all-in on digital but still prints 130,000 copies daily for loyal readers who value the tactile experience. These aren’t outliers—they’re proof that print circulation isn’t about volume anymore. It’s about trust, reach, and credibility. Older readers, rural communities, and even some businesses still rely on physical papers for reliable, ad-free news. And in places with poor internet, it’s the only option.

Meanwhile, the numbers tell a story. While digital traffic skyrockets, print circulation in the UK has dropped by over 60% since 2010. But here’s the twist: the readers who still buy papers are the most engaged. They’re less likely to skip headlines, more likely to share articles with family, and more trusting of the content. That’s why some papers—like the Berrow's Worcester Journal, the UK’s oldest weekly paper, still printing since 1690.—hold on tight to print. They know their audience isn’t looking for speed. They’re looking for depth.

And it’s not just about old folks. Younger readers are rediscovering print in pockets across London—cafés, libraries, train stations. Why? Because scrolling feels exhausting. A physical paper gives you control. You decide what to read, when to put it down. No algorithm pushing outrage. No autoplay videos. Just facts, laid out plainly.

What you’ll find in this collection are real stories about how print circulation shapes journalism, who still reads it, and why it hasn’t disappeared even when everyone said it would. From the decline of the Daily Courant to the surprising resilience of local weeklies, these posts show that print isn’t a relic—it’s a choice. And for many, it’s still the best one.