Have you put the puppy pad in the pad holder plastic frame, it keeps them from bothering it. Got to tell you, I don't know any puppy that would not rip newspaper to shreds....with boredom...that would we WAY to tempting.
Agree with others op's....he is still young. I think the key is to set them up for success and that is by consistency from the owner.
Patience, rewarding and lots of praise will pay off in the long run...give it time and one day...a light bulb will go off and he'll get it
Good Luck!