print journalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
mediumneutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “print journalism” mean?
A form of journalism where news and stories are distributed primarily through printed publications such as newspapers and magazines.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of journalism where news and stories are distributed primarily through printed publications such as newspapers and magazines.
The profession, practice, and body of work associated with reporting, writing, and editing for physical publications. It is often contrasted with broadcast or digital journalism and carries connotations of a traditional, in-depth, and fact-checked approach to news.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The phrase is used identically in both varieties to distinguish from broadcast/digital media.
Connotations
In both regions, it can connote traditionalism, depth, and credibility, but also potential obsolescence in the digital age.
Frequency
Equally common in professional and academic discussions about media in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “print journalism” in a Sentence
{Verb} + print journalism: study, practice, defend, abandon, revive{Adjective} + print journalism: traditional, mainstream, quality, local, tabloidVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “print journalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to pursue print journalism after her degree.
- The paper champions traditional print journalism.
American English
- He transitioned from broadcasting to print journalism.
- Many schools still teach print journalism fundamentals.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- She had a long print-journalism career at The Guardian.
- The print-journalism ethos differs from blogging.
American English
- He holds a print-journalism award from the state press association.
- They discussed print-journalism standards at the conference.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions about media industry models, advertising revenue, and market shifts.
Academic
Analysis in media studies, sociology, and communication theory courses.
Everyday
Used when comparing how people get their news (e.g., 'I prefer print journalism to reading online').
Technical
Used in journalism schools and by media professionals to specify a medium and its practices.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “print journalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “print journalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “print journalism”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a print journalism' – incorrect). It is a non-count/uncountable noun. Using 'print' alone to mean the same thing (e.g., 'He works in print' is fine, but 'print' alone is more general).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is a declining industry in terms of circulation and advertising revenue. It remains influential, particularly for in-depth reporting and local news in many areas, and is evolving with digital subscriptions and hybrid models.
The core difference is the medium of distribution (physical vs. online). This leads to practical differences: print has space constraints, fixed publication schedules, and a traditional editorial process, while digital offers immediacy, unlimited space, multimedia, and interactive elements.
Generally, no. Print journalism specifically refers to work produced for and distributed through printed periodicals. A blog is a form of digital or online journalism. However, the writing standards and ethics of print journalism can certainly be applied to blogging.
You use 'print journalism' as an uncountable noun. It is incorrect to say 'a print journalism'. You can say 'a piece of print journalism' or 'a print journalism article'.
A form of journalism where news and stories are distributed primarily through printed publications such as newspapers and magazines.
Print journalism is usually neutral to formal in register.
Print journalism: in British English it is pronounced /prɪnt ˈdʒɜːn(ə)lɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /prɪnt ˈdʒɝːnəlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific compound term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound of a PRINTing press rolling out the morning paper – that's the core of PRINT journalism.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRINT JOURNALISM IS A FOUNDATION: conceptualized as the established, bedrock form of news reporting upon which other forms are built.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the PRIMARY characteristic that defines 'print journalism'?