The document discusses several uses and gratifications of newspapers according to Blumler and Katz: 1) Newspapers provide education and information to readers by updating them on local events and topics they may not have known about previously. 2) In order to be successful, newspapers need to entertain readers through features like horoscopes, crosswords, and advice columns. This engages and relates to readers. 3) Newspapers also facilitate social interaction which contributes to their success, as readers can discuss articles and share information, taking part in conversations.

1. Uses and Gratifications Blumler and Katz

2. Education and Information The main headline of the newspaper is always on the front of the newspaper. “A 24-hour booze-up” this captures the attention of consumers that drink alcohol. This percentage tends to be high therefore will attract a lot of viewers. The point of a newspaper to have a education and information section is to update the local about what is going on around them also to inform them with what is happening that they did not know before.

3. Entertainment In order for a newspaper to be successful the newspaper will need to be entertaining. The Islington Gazette included tabloids like horoscopes, crosswords and an article where anomalous people tell their problems to. This entertains readers as they interact with other people and can relate with them if they have the same problems. The purpose of a cross-word is to entertain the reader in situations such as waiting for an appointment or on the train ect.

4. Social Interaction Social interactions make a newspaper successful and popular as it allows readers to discuss the article, talking about it and the word spreads. It allows people to interact with each other and have something to talk about. If you know the lastest news about what is going on around you, it allows people to join in convosations and discussions. An example from the local Islington Gazette the phase ‘you must be joking’ shows that the article is about something that is unbelievable. To the viewers shock this news will be the headline of the day.

5. Escape Papers provide escapism in a similar way that soaps or reality TV shows do. The escape from everything that is going on around them and engages with the newspaper. This will make a newspaper successful, I have chosen this article as an example as it seems interesting and is a risk to the locals. ‘ A gunman who fired at a party’ the local may know this man however their family and friends at risk therefore would read on for more.

6. Identifications This point makes us much more involved and interested in a story and helps us deal with similar events in our own lives. It builds an image in the readers head how they would react in a situation like this. I have taken this article as an example as it is sad and a horrible way to die, the picture of the family gives it more of an effect as it is a happy family and then things fall to parts. Readers are able to image how it would feel to lose a member of the family ending in a tragic death.