Local Newspapers
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Every British town, city or village will have at least one local newspaper, and maybe more. In theory, they provide a useful forum for local news and events, inexpensive advertising for local businesses, and publicity for local groups and organisations. However, in practice they are quite different.
Market research has shown them that the majority of their readership is of the older generation, and they have tailored their output to match. Articles on youth are restricted to those outlining the horrors of young people today (with splashes about joy-riding, drug abuse and violence) and if you're involved in the Arts, whatever your age, abandon all hope of ever appearing. However, they are quite prepared to give a double-page spread to a couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. In the classified section, you will find hundreds of mis-spelled small ads. Even if the poster of the ad knew how to spell, those at the paper who transcribe it do not; with predictable results. Sometimes the ads are put in the wrong section, so a lonely heart is sandwiched between two second-hand boilers. If you wish, you can follow the local sports team as they take on their rivals in the "Coopers Clothespegs League" (or some such) and lose to another equally insignificant team from nearby.
When local press photographers are calling somewhere for a photo-shoot, they will give you a rough time you can expect them. An hour later, when you've decided that they're not going to turn up and have sent everyone home, they will arrive with rosy cheeks and take three photgraphs. These, of course, will not appear in the paper and neither will the accompanying article to make room for the "The Town Fifty Years Ago" in pictures.
In any case, there is a law in Britain prohibiting local newspapers from printing the correct names underneath pictures.
