The Real Paper 🗞️ An Iconic Beacon of Alternative Journalism

The Inception of The Real Paper

Born out of a journalist strike, The Real Paper was first published on August 2, 1972, in Cambridge. The paper had its roots in the countercultural, anti-establishment movement of the time and it provided a voice to people often neglected by mainstream media.

The origin of The Real Paper traces back to an internal dispute at the Boston Phoenix in 1972. Due to a disagreement over ownership, a group of staff decided to strike and eventually establish a new publication - The Real Paper. Named in response to the Phoenix's decision to continue publishing during the strike, The Real Paper began as a direct competitor, appealing to the same young, educated, and liberal demographic.

Content and Impact

The Real Paper was not just any publication. It was a weekly alternative newspaper that showcased a variety of content, ranging from news, politics, and social issues to arts, culture, and entertainment. The Real Paper was a platform for groundbreaking reporting and a launchpad for journalists who would later gain national renown.

The paper made waves with its unique reporting style and approach to journalism. It was known for long-form journalism, daring and in-depth investigative stories, and coverage of local Boston affairs often overlooked by other media outlets. The Real Paper delved into subjects such as local politics, the anti-war movement, feminism, civil rights, and counterculture, influencing public discourse in the Boston area and beyond.

Legacy

Many of the journalists who started their careers at The Real Paper went on to have successful careers in the industry. Among them is Paul Solman, a business and economics correspondent for PBS NewsHour, and Laura Shapiro, a renowned food writer and historian. Film critic Stephen Schiff later became a writer for The New Yorker and a successful screenwriter.

Despite closing the paper in 1981, The Real Paper left an strong mark on alternative journalism, setting high standards in investigative reporting and championing the alternative press's role in American society.

In many ways, The Real Paper helped to reshape the media landscape and demonstrated the power of the press as an agent for social change. Its influence can still be seen today in a list of alternative weeklies and digital media platforms that continue to cover underreported stories and issues, today.