Watch The Paper

The Paper is an American reality television show that aired on MTV from 1978 to 1986. The show starred John Houseman as the narrator and followed the daily operations of The Daily Collegian, the student-run newspaper at Pennsylvania State University. Each episode of The Paper followed the staffers of the Collegian as they worked on producing the paper, from reporting and writing articles to editing and layout design. The show also highlighted the personal lives of the staff members, including their relationships with each other and with their professors and family members.

Throughout the show's run, viewers became familiar with several of the paper's key staff members, including photographer Mark Wiener, editor-in-chief Mary Beth Marklein, and columnist Tony Figueroa. The show's producers also focused on several of the paper's regular features, such as the opinion page and the sports section.

One of the key elements of The Paper was the way in which it depicted the intense pressure and competition that often exist within a newsroom. The show highlighted the struggles that the Collegian staff faced in meeting tight deadlines and producing high-quality journalism on a regular basis. It also showed how conflicts could arise between the staff members themselves, as they competed for coveted assignments or clashed over editorial decisions.

Despite the intense pressure, The Paper also portrayed the camaraderie that can exist within a newsroom. The show's producers emphasized the way in which the staff members rallied together in order to meet tight deadlines and produce a paper that they could be proud of. This sense of community extended beyond the newsroom as well, with the staff members often socializing and supporting each other outside of work.

In addition to highlighting the day-to-day workings of a student newspaper, The Paper also tackled larger issues related to journalism and the media. For example, one episode focused on the question of journalistic ethics, with the staff members debating whether or not it was appropriate to publish an article about a fellow student's illegal activities. Another episode dealt with the role of a free press in a democratic society, as the staff members grappled with the possibility of censorship by the university administration.

Throughout its run, The Paper received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of life in a newsroom, as well as its exploration of larger issues related to journalism and the media. The show was also praised for its ability to humanize the reporters and editors who produce the news, showing them as real people with their own unique personalities and struggles.

However, The Paper was not without its controversies. Some critics argued that the show sensationalized the often tedious and mundane aspects of news production, and that it placed undue emphasis on interpersonal conflicts rather than the substance of the stories being covered. Others criticized the show for its narrow focus on a single college newspaper, arguing that it failed to capture the diversity of perspectives and experiences within the broader world of journalism.

Despite these criticisms, The Paper remains a landmark of reality television and a beloved portrayal of the world of college journalism. Its legacy can still be seen today in the many shows that have followed in its footsteps, from The Real World to Vanderpump Rules.