Final answer:
Newspaper vending machines often allow the retrieval of multiple newspapers as they are less expensive to produce, have a shorter shelf life, and historically newspapers prioritize wide readership over tight inventory control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks why newspaper vending machines allow customers to potentially take multiple newspapers after paying for one. This practice contrasts with candy and soft drink vending machines, which only dispense the purchased item. A likely answer to this question, which is not explicitly provided in the materials provided, lies in a combination of factors: newspapers are indeed less expensive to produce, especially considering the use of wood pulp and the linotype machine that made printing cheaper; newspapers have a shorter shelf life and lose value quickly as they become outdated; and there is a historical perspective of upholding journalistic standards and independence that might fit with a more open-access business model. Additionally, newspapers traditionally rely on their wide readership and distribution counts to attract advertisers and generate revenue, thus having a few extra newspapers taken doesn't significantly impact overall profits as much as losing individual sales of higher-priced items like candy or drinks would.