'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQG/8QAIxAAAQIFAwUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIEAAMFESISMUEGExYhgf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME/8QAGREAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAyFR/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDOOeqp9WrzhzUqk7slZVplNJeJTcAA6xdO2/viJvMapMzEpoArIDtjn5CETuqD1oV2y6f/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The premiere of The Paper, initially marketed as a spin-off of The Office, revealed that even though the Peacock series flows in the same vein as the original show with the characters, their personal lives, and the mockumentary format, it is also completely unique in itself.
This uniqueness stems from the fact that the base premise of the show is the managing editor Ned Sampson's passion for journalism and his honest efforts to bring the Toledo Truth Teller back to life. The unique path that this show has forged for itself reeks of a real-life story in terms of the real-world problems it tackles.
The events in The Paper, a spin-off of The Office (completely unique in its own right), might not be based on real events, but the reality it presents before the viewers in its premiere season is no less than the truth of the world in this day and age of digital media.
The real-life events that The Paper sheds light on
The Paper follows the newly appointed salesman-turned-managing-editor, Ned Sampson, on his crusade to bring back local journalism and invigorate The Toledo Truth Teller (the paper company Enervate's subsidiary newspaper). However, the title sequence of the show is a montage of people using (an apt word would be misusing) newspapers for every purpose except as an actual newspaper.
From using it as a mat to play cards to serving food, newspapers were used for every daily task except reading to get local news.
The title sequence is unique and entertaining, but at the same time, it paints the sad, dying reality of print news. We live in an age of digital media, which is continually growing paperless. The primary source of information, be it real or fake news, today is digital media.
The Paper, on several occasions, features Ned Sampson looking back on the glory days of Toledo Truth Tellers, when a constant buzz existed in the newsroom, when there was a rush to break the biggest news first, and when the journalists had a steel-like integrity that held the powers to be responsible for their actions and decisions.
Ned dreams of bringing Toledo Truth Teller back to its glory days, to rewrite the definition of local journalism and local newspapers, which have long since turned into a ghost town of nothing more than clickbait pieces and advertisements with a drastic cutdown on staffing.
It seems like a daunting task at first, but this editing manager, a socially awkward nepotism-backed editor, and one of the greatest salesmen when he wants to be, is more than up for the task. He vows to find inspiration and motivation in a group of people (with no background in journalism) who have long since given up on anything that requires effort from them.
Is the reality that The Paper presents a death sentence or a road to rebirth?
The title sequence and the first episode depicting the present condition of the print newspaper industry present a particularly disheartening reality. However, Ned Sampson is not one to accept defeat.
It seems a little delusional craziness from the managing editor can go a long way for The Toledo Truth Tellers in The Paper. He starts by utilizing volunteer journalists along with his existing staff to fill the void left by the cutdown in staffing. These journalists are his key to reviving the Toledo Truth Tellers by telling real, verified local news. He moves with the utmost belief that local news still matters.
By the end of the season, Sampson's passion, his dedication to journalistic integrity, and his zeal were rewarded when The Toledo Truth Teller was awarded three Ohio Journalism Awards: Outstanding Print Coverage for the editor-in-chief, the Best News Story for Mare's Softees investigation, and the Best New Game for our only link to Dunder Mifflin, Oscar Nuñez.
While winning all the awards that they were nominated for might come off as dramatic and for-the-sake-of-the-story, the underlying message of The Paper still shines through very brightly. Ned Sampson is on a road to the rebirth of local newspapers, and he might just find success in his journey.
Therefore, The Paper might start off as a visual representation of a death sentence, but through the journey of the first season, its message and the value of journalism find their way to the viewer.
The Office spin-off might have a few more kinks to work out in the sophomore season (which it has already been renewed for), but the core of the show and its premise have a unique spark. Handled carefully, we might have a great show on our hands: something that can stand tall in front of the cultural zeitgeist that is The Office.
Trending
Keep reading SoapCentral for more such detailed insights into your favorite shows!
Reply
