The reader as a co-author of a local newspaper. “Nowe Życie Pabianic” (The New Life of Pabianice) as a case in point

Abstract

The analysis shows different ways of engaging the reader in the creation of a newspaper. Such engagement is the most pronounced in local press, where the bond between the newspaper and the target reader is naturally much stronger than in national media. The New Life of Pabianice has been in circulation for over 21 years and different forms of readers’ expression have been fostered on its pages. Among the traditional forms of readers’ verbalisation, there are: letters to the Editor, amateur poetic forms and pamphlets. As far as the new forms are concerned, the readers’ call-in columns are given prominence, together with the so-called citizen journalism. The new forms of readers’ expression, connected with the development of the Internet, exemplify the tendency among the readers to take over the role of a journalist. An opinion forming journalist is aided by the reader – a partner in discussion and the voice of the general public. Paradoxical as it may seem, it is indeed yet another symptom of the democratisation of the media and the society.