I never have newspaper around and I've heard many benefits of newspaper because of the ink therefore I'm not surprised this works. If you don't want the stink of paper, then you are probably using a TABLOID gossip type publication.
I use a plastic thingy I bought from an RV store that keeps both the freezer and fridge doors propped open. I also had to add some hook and loop to keep THAT thing in place. We also put the arm & hammer stuff to help with odors just in case. No stinky fridge for us, so far. I have such a long list of pre-trip and post-trip procedures that this is just one of those things and overall doesn't add much time either way.
The important thing is to do something. Stinky plastic storage equipment really sucks (fridge, coolers, water jugs, etc.). Once a stink starts it's a pain to get rid of. Thanks for the additional tips.