Document details

Rural mimeo newspapers: A guide to the production of low-cost community papers in developing countries

Paris: UNESCO, 3rd. ed. (1971), 42 pp.

Contains illustrations

Series: Reports and Papers on Mass Communication, 46

Other editions: 1st impression 1965, 2nd impression 1966; also published in French

"In this booklet, we describe in some detail the successful Liberian experiment, and suggest ways in which other countries may organize a similar project through their Information Ministry or other development agency. The third part of the booklet, is a simple "how-to-do-it guide for the editor/publisher of a mimeo newspaper It is, in fact, an elementary manual for the journalist who has had no professional experience, and is in a form suitable for reprinting and wide distribution to the staffs of the rural papers. The mimeo newspaper is, admittedly, a rudimentary form of publishing, technically limited by the capacity of the equipment used. It is none the less significant for all that, and in passing, it should be noted that with skill and care, a professional looking paper can be produced. The important thing, however, is that this method of production enables a means of expression and establishes a small business enterprise, years before it would be economically possible with conventional printing plant. On the basis of the Liberian experience, it is estimated that a paper could be established with an initial outlay of as little as $100, and that it could provide a living for its owner/editor from the outset. This is a beginning from which a publisher and a community might aspire to progress until the time when a printed broadsheet can be produced by a professional staff on a modern printing plant." (Preface)
"The author gives a fairly detailed account of the successful experiment which was carried out in Liberia for the speedy setting up of rural newspapers. He also indicates how many other countries could carry out a similar programme. The last section of the study consists of a practical guide for the manager/editor of a multicopied paper." (Jean-Marie Van Bol, Abdelfattah Fakhfakh: The use of mass media in the developing countries. Brussels: CIDESA, 1971 Nr. 1264, topic code 110.45)
PART I: THE CASE HISTORY OF A PROJECT IN LIBERIA, 7
PART II: ORGANIZING A RURAL NEWSPAPER PROGRAMME, 13
A. Planning and Starting the First Newspapers, 13
B. Helping the Newspapers to Grow and Prosper, 16
PART II: HOW TO PUBLISH A LOW-COST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Plans and Preparations, 21
Gathering the News, 25
Writing the News Story, 28
Articles and Features, 31
Editing your Newspaper, 33
The Business Side, 35
Copy Preparation, 37
The Layout, 37
Preparing the Stencil, 40
Printing, 41