Newspapers have radicalised their identity over the last decade, changing sizes, adding colour, changing political allegiances, differing editorial content and focus, and now, would you believe it, it’s the norm to give them away free! Shock, horror!
But what do you readers really think of the newspaper industry today? Do you trust them / respect them? Do newspapers still play an important role in society? Are newspapers untruthful or overly sensationalist?
There was an overwhelming response to this rant, some hugely insightful and some insanely ridiculous! You really did let loose on the old print industry, it made for extremely entertaining reading– here are some of the best….

The infamous Metro Crossword

So despite the plea to not just talk about the crossword, fortunate for us you all have a cracking sense of humour, and like a two year old child on being told what not to do, some decided to rant on just that!

Our favourites (among…..well loads - I lost count!):

‘BRING BACK THE CROSSWORD - and show your readers you care!!!’

‘I f**king hate sudoko or however the hell it's spelt because it is so DULL. WHY OH WHY DID YOU STOP PRINTING THE CROSSWORD?????'

Dear, dear stop the shouting – Kenny has been duly informed!! And yes, you did spell it wrong!

Trust

Quite a large number complained on the lack of trust in British national newspapers…

'I would say that there is not one newspaper people can trust for an unbiased report on something. I often feel that what I am reading can be misleading - regardless of what paper I am reading. '

'I don't trust or respect any newspapers 100%. I don't believe most things that are in the press at all; every side has two stories and you rarely see that in any articles you read. I think newspapers can actually be a powerful tool to make people believe what the owners want them to, and exert enormous pressure on a person or organisation as a result.'

'I don't want my newspaper to have an option or agenda I just want it to give me the news/facts & I'll make up my own mind. Papers which have a clear political leaning are a disgrace.'

'Biggest problem is how they attack national figures at every possible chance, quite scathing at times. Then that same figure can be the darling of the press. Very much use them to sell papers, as opposed to reporting the facts.’

‘The way the tabloids twist what people say is a disgrace!'

'Don’t trust tabloids at all and broadsheets are getting worse. Cannot believe a word that is written in most papers as it's all spun for sensationalism. Papers are actually creating stories rather than reporting them’

Celebrity Culture & Sensationalism

And then there was sensationalism and the despise for the current celebrity culture…

'I think they focus on celeb gossip too much! Who cares about vacant WAGS and drugged up pop stars! '

'Bloody celebrities, what they are wearing, where the WAGS are eating their dinner - who cares ! ! ! '



I think they are overly sensationalistic, and are increasingly focusing on mundane trivial issues, and sensationalising every event.'

'I think they are overly sensationalist and very manipulative of the public opinion'

‘Way too interested in WAGs, faux celebs and tittle tattle. A little gossip is OK but all the scandal and the over interest in Beckhams etc - I DON\'T CARE WHAT THAT VACUOUS TRAMP POSH IS WEARING OR WHO JORDAN IS SLEEPING WITH!!’

‘They forget how much influence they have over the public - at times they are guilty of spreading irrational fears over us e.g. the MMR virus, because of them we could have a measles epidemic - this style of reporting (in all newspapers) was irrational and irresponsible.’

 

Dumbing down

Urbanites also appeared frightened on the ‘dumbing down’ of our culture, and the creation of a culture of masses…..

'All have a clear bias towards one agenda or another from the redtops to broadsheets. Its too much opinion not enough fact'

'British media falsely shapes the mindsets of the masses in way that often reflects fiction and their own political agenda opposed to actual fact. This often hinders rather than develops society on a whole.'

'I'm appalled at the drivel the national tabloids spout on topics such as immigration and asylum, it amounts to thinly-veiled racism. They take glee in forming (bigoted) opinion amongst their readership and the masses whilst claiming to merely "reflect public opinion". They should stick to Page 3 and celebrity gossip and leave serious issues to the broadsheets!' Celebrity Culture & Sensationalism Dumbing down 'I think they focus on celeb gossip too much! Who cares about vacant WAGS and drugged up pop stars!'

'I'm annoyed by what I see as the increasing 'dumbed-down-ness' of newspapers, their using of slang and inappropriate language, and their sensationalist stories to gain attention.’

'I think its embarrassing that the countries most read paper is a tabloid. Its no wonder opinions of the masses are so badly formed when they take their opinions from The Sun and similar papers….’

‘The press has the power to change the nation and sadly we've changed into gossipy gutter merchants. Can the press contribute positively to this new century by changing the news? I very much hope so.’

'British media falsely shapes the mindsets of the masses in way that often reflects fiction and their own political agenda opposed to actual fact. This often hinders rather than develops society as a whole.'

'It scares me that the most read paper in England is the Sun I think! Worrying!'

‘Getting my "grumpy young man" hat on, newspaper journalism is losing it's way ALMOST as badly as broadcast media. Too many column inches squandered on dumbed-down rubbish, sensationalised reporting with no factual context and the media continuing to indulge in openly narcissistic self-hype.

'Why do people who read the mail start conversations with the frightening thing is.....?'

Ah, Metro……

It was a tough rant to read, in which no newspaper came out unscathed (yes even dear Metro got some abuse!). However, on the whole the Metro comments were quite positive, most commended us on the neutrality of our editorial content compared to other nationals…..

'I think the only newspaper worth reading is the Metro as it is fair & trustworthy, you can't believe anything else written by the newspapers, it's a shame we live in such a blame & shame culture today.'

'I think the Metro pitches itself just right with a healthy balance of humorous and serious news items. Some papers e.g. the Sun, Mirror etc aren't worth wasting paper for, far better to save the trees.'

'I only really read the metro. I find it very informative, and although I take most things I hear/ read with a pinch of salt - metro does seem to be accurate. Definitely not sleazy like some other newspapers.'

'I think the Metro newspaper is my kind of paper - brings entertainment and factual news together and maintains a good balance. Excellent local listings, good size and good layout!'

'I only trust the Metro! Seriously it seems the most impartial paper around, and loads of others have agendas definitely!'

'Metro comes across as being quite impartial and not wrapped up in propaganda!!'

'I think you're fab - independent and unbiased, with quality journalism - and it's free’!

'I refuse to read the tabloid papers as they sensationalise stories that have no real relevance at all they are more like gossip magazines that is why the only paper that I read is the Metro'

'I actually only read the Metro in the mornings and it brings me my news, I enjoy the paper, and miss it when I don't get one.'

'I absolutely love the Metro (and not just because it is free!) but it has everything in it I need to know from world news to local news and showbiz stuff that I would find in magazines like heat etc.’

We are all sniffling in the office here! Kenny…pass us the tissues! We love you too!!!