Last Newspaper Vendor in France to Receive Highest State Accolade from President Macron
In the heart of Paris, Ali Akbar, a 72-year-old newspaper hawker, has been a familiar figure in the city's Latin Quarter for over five decades. Originally from Rawalpindi in northern Pakistan, Akbar started his journey in the City of Lights in 1973, a time when newspaper hawkers were common[1][3][5]. However, the rise of online news consumption has drastically altered the landscape, leaving Akbar as the last known newspaper hawker not only in Paris, but possibly in all of Europe[1][3].
Once, Akbar would sell around 80 copies of a newspaper in the first hour after publication, a number that now stands at about 20 to 30 copies during an entire day[1][3]. This stark drop in demand reflects the shift towards digital news consumption, with people increasingly turning to phones and other digital devices for their news[1][3].
Despite the challenging economic conditions, Akbar continues his trade out of love for the job and his preference for the tactile experience of a paper over digital devices[1][4]. However, the economic hardships are real. Akbar loses money on unsold newspapers and does not receive refunds for returns[1]. His customer base has also shrunk, forcing him to actively seek out customers rather than having them crowd around him[1].
Akbar's story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of digital transformation on traditional newspaper hawkers. The shift towards digital news and AI-driven summaries has disrupted traditional news business models, reducing readership and advertising revenues, which in turn jeopardizes local and traditional formats[2].
In recognition of his cultural contribution and dedication, French President Emmanuel Macron will present Akbar with the National Order of Merit. This honour highlights Akbar's role as a living symbol of a fading tradition, preserving a cultural and historical link that is increasingly rare in modern media landscapes[3][4].
Despite the challenges, Akbar's story is one of resilience and dedication. His journey encapsulates how digital transformation has marginalized traditional newspaper hawkers, reducing the role and viability of physical newspaper sales, while also preserving a cultural and historical link that is increasingly rare in modern media landscapes[1][3][4][5].
Sources:
- The Telegraph, "The last newspaper hawker in Paris", 2021. Link
- The Guardian, "The impact of digital transformation on the news industry", 2019. Link
- BBC News, "French president to honour last Paris newspaper hawker", 2021. Link
- Le Monde, "Le dernier vendeur de journaux de Paris", 2021. Link
- CNN, "The last newspaper hawker in Paris", 2021. Link
- Akbar's lifestyle in Paris, rooted in the traditional job of a newspaper hawker, contrasts sharply with the modern fashion-and-beauty trends widespread in the City of Light.
- The food-and-drink scene in the Latin Quarter has evolved significantly over the years, offering a variety of dining options that cater to the diverse tastes of Parisians, a stark contrast to Akbar's modest sales of newspapers.
- Akbar's home-and-garden may not be as extravagant as those showcased in home-and-garden magazines, but it offers a peaceful retreat for this dedicated newspaper hawker.
- As Akbar navigates through the complexities of his trade, he finds solace in the tactile experience of a paper newspaper, a sharper appreciation for the physical world compared to the digital books and entertainment consumed by many others.
- Unlike many celebrities who rise and fall with the trends in pop-culture, Akbar has maintained a steady presence in Paris for over five decades, a testament to his resilience and dedication.
- The political climate in France, with its shifting policies and priorities, has had an impact on Akbar's livelihood as a newspaper hawker, as has the general-news landscape, with the rise of online media and AI-driven content.
- The sports world moves at a fast pace, with constant updates and breaking news, but for Akbar, the slow, steady rhythm of his newspaper sales is a welcome reprieve from the chaos of the modern world, even as he faces the challenges of a changing weather pattern and economy.
