general newspaper; non-specialist press; lay publication
Refers to newspapers or press outlets aimed at the general public, as opposed to specialized trade or academic publications.
This research was also covered extensively in the general press.
I write articles not only for specialist magazines but also for general newspapers.
standard paper; common paper
Refers to ordinary, everyday paper as opposed to special types like washi, art paper, or thermal paper. Less common than the press sense.
This printer can handle everything from standard paper to cardstock.
普通紙 is a more common term for 'plain paper' or 'standard paper', often used in printer settings. 一般紙 in the paper sense is less frequent and may sound slightly more formal.
一般紙 covers a wide range of news topics, whereas スポーツ新聞 focuses exclusively on sports.
Compound of 一般 (general, common) and 紙 (paper, newspaper). The meaning 'general newspaper' is the primary modern usage.