Here's why:
* Composition: Newspapers are primarily made of paper, which is composed of cellulose fibers. Cellulose is a natural organic compound that doesn't readily conduct electricity.
* Moisture: Dry paper is a good insulator. However, if the paper is wet, it can become a slightly better conductor as water can carry electrical current.
* Impurities: The ink and other materials used in printing can add some conductivity, but it's still negligible compared to good conductors like metals.
Therefore, while you might see electricity travel through a wet newspaper, it's not a reliable conductor and is generally considered an insulator.