Italian Newspapers: Thoughts of the Past

As a child, I remember my father pouring over the Daily News, our area’s newspaper. Every evening, as ours wasn’t a morning edition, he’d sit in his easy chair, newspaper in hand. Slippers on his feet.

For some reason, red flannel plaid slippers come to mind. Though I’m sure he had other kinds through the years. 

I’m more of a newspaper skimmer myself, rarely reading a full article unless it really catches my interest. Maybe I was really just ahead of the times. Already prepped for the days of internet surfing, before they even invented it. Imagine that!

Newspapers in Italy

Yet I like newspapers, and I’m glad they’re still strong here in Italy. Unlike what I read about the USA, where people mostly read them online. But over here don’t expect to have your paper delivered by a paper boy. That service is not offered.

News and the local bar

Most coffee bars provide free copies of the daily issues, so many people read them there. Why buy own since they’re already stopping for coffee anyway? It’s a bit like one-stop shopping. You can read the news while sipping your cappuccino, brioche (pastry) in hand. While also catching up on the local gossip. Coffee bars and newspapers just go together in Italy. And the best way to get all the news – local, national, and world!

Or buy your own newspaper

But if you do want your own copy, just stop by a local newstand. These are often streetside or parking lot chiosks. Like the one, above, with its clever paintings on the window shutters. By day, clients see the merchandise. By night, an art gallery. Cool, right?

These stands stock not only newspapers, but magazines, puzzle books (like the following), bus tickets, candy, lottery tickets, and even some DVD’s and gift items! Sometimes they will do home delivery, but usually only as a personal favor. Or anymore these days, some of the larger supermarkets also have a news stand section.

Or you can subscribe

With the advent of online papers it is now possible to subscribe directly from the newspaper itself, choosing between a paper copy or a digital issue.

In any case, I’m glad newspapers are still strong here, because some things should last. I like change: new faces, experiences, and places. New things to see and do.

Yet it’s funny how one little word, like newspaper, can bring thoughts of the past.

Unexpected thoughts, flitting in with a warm cozy and feeling that beckons, “Come in and stay a while.”

Like sitting with your dad in his red flannel slippers, reading The Daily News. Steaming cup of coffee in hand. Relaxing after a long, hard day’s work. Working to bring his family a good life, while also checking up on the world at large.

No, I don’t read the newspaper. I’m still a skimmer, jumping from one thing to the next. But I hope there will always be a place in this world for dads in red flannel slippers, newspapers in hand. Bringing help, love, and hope to this needy world. Don’t you?

And what does the word “newspaper” make you think of?

Images: Cappuccino on newspaper by AlbanyColley | Newspapers by Suzy Hazelwood | Others ©SignoraSheila.