The term "go to press" refers to the final stage in the process of producing a printed publication or newspaper. It signifies the moment when the finished product is sent to the printing press for mass production and distribution. The step is important as it marks the point of no return, as any further revisions or changes will have to be made in subsequent editions.
The phrase has its origins in the traditional method of publishing, when newspapers and magazines were physically printed using large printing machines. In this context, "press" refers to the printing press, which is the device used to transfer ink onto paper using movable type or plates. Before the advent of digital printing, publications had set deadlines to ensure that all the necessary content, including articles, images, and advertisements, had been finalized, proofread, and formatted correctly.
"Go to press" often involves sending finalized files to the printing facility, where skilled technicians set up the printing plates, ensure the colors are calibrated correctly, and adjust other technical parameters to achieve the desired print quality. This phase also incorporates a final check to ensure that all articles and images are in their correct positions, proper headlines and page numbers are assigned, and any last-minute errors are corrected.
In the present digital age, where printing processes have evolved, the term "go to press" can also include the final submission of digital files to a printer, potentially bypassing physical transfer or plates. Nonetheless, regardless of the specific medium, "go to press" remains the decisive point when a publication is ready to be mass-produced and distributed to its readership.
