periòdics

Periòdics are publications issued on a regular schedule, such as daily newspapers, weekly magazines, or monthly journals, delivering news, analysis, and features to a broad or specialized audience. They can be printed or digital and may cover general topics or niche subjects.

They are produced through editorial processes, fact-checking, design and layout, copyediting, and distribution networks. Common content areas include news, opinion, sports, culture, and business. Academic journals and trade periodicals are also considered periòdics, though they typically emphasize peer-reviewed research or professional information.

Historically, periòdics emerged in Europe in the 17th century with gazettes and newsbooks, enabling faster dissemination of information. They expanded with urbanization and rising literacy, and in the 19th and 20th centuries mass-market newspapers and magazines became central to public life. The advent of the digital era in the late 20th and early 21st centuries transformed production, distribution, and business models, shifting substantial readership online.

Periòdics play a key role in public discourse by reporting events, presenting analysis, and shaping opinions. They rely on advertising, subscriptions, or reader payments for revenue. The sector faces challenges from digital disruption, competition from free online content, misinformation concerns, and ongoing debates about press freedom and editorial independence.