Quick Summary
Each day, ten million copies of the world’s best‑selling newspaper are printed, illustrating the massive scale of its production. At the same time, South Africa’s largest sock factory knits thirty‑two thousand pairs of socks each day, highlighting its huge output.
About This Program ✦
The episode titled Newspapers/Socks is a programme that offers viewers a behind‑the‑scenes look at two seemingly unrelated yet massive production operations. It is presented as a single instalment that juxtaposes the world of print media with that of textile manufacturing, giving a concise yet informative glimpse into each industry’s daily rhythm. In the first segment, the show follows the astonishing workflow that results in the printing of ten million copies each day of the globe’s top‑selling newspaper. The camera tracks the machinery, the logistics and the sheer scale required to keep the publication rolling out at such a relentless pace, highlighting how each step contributes to the final product that reaches readers worldwide. The second part shifts focus to South Africa’s largest sock factory, where the programme records the knitting of thirty‑two thousand pairs of socks every day. Viewers see the high‑speed looms in action, the coordination of workers and the continuous output that sustains the factory’s position as the nation’s biggest producer of hosiery. Together, the episode underscores the impressive volume and efficiency of both operations, illustrating how massive daily outputs are achieved in two very different sectors. By pairing the newspaper’s massive print run with the sock factory’s prolific knitting line, Newspapers/Socks paints a vivid picture of modern industrial scale.
How Do They Do It? broadcasts on Quest at 11:00pm, Wednesday, 11 February 2026. (Subtitles)




