New forms of news publishing

Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to a truly historical event. In the blue corner we have the humble newspaper. Weighing in with centuries of experience, what this contender may lack in speed and interactivity, more than makes up for in tradition, credibility and sentimentality. As welcome as the family pet around most breakfast tables each morning, many rely on their daily dose of ink as much as the caffeine in their coffee to kick start their day and offer topics for water cooler conversation. However, blue corner’s trainers made up of Sulzberger, Walter, Dow, Jones and Murdoch know they have a worthy contender on their hands. For in the red corner, loosening up with a cheeky, confident smirk is a much younger and versatile opponent. The internet.

It has been widely reported in recent times that circulation numbers for newspapers are in rapid decline. This is evident across most established countries around the world. According to a recent report from Nichols and McChesney in The Nation that major newspapers: The Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune and Philadelphia Inquirer are “officially in bankruptcy”. This is testament to the crisis this industry is currently facing. While external factors such as the global financial crisis haven’t helped the situation, it is the advancement of technology that is turning many away from the printed forms of news media, to online news services.

Each day, more of us are changing our habits and beginning to view our news online, and why not? It is cheaper, more convenient, and allows us to choose decide a story’s importance based on its significance to us. Also, online news publications incorporate every kind of media technology. This includes print, audio, imagery, video, and audience interaction. Most other forms of news publication are limited to only one or a selection of these methods.

Traditional media institutions have had to adapt to the online revolution and accept it as a way of life. Most, to all major news outlets now devote considerable attention to an online format. The beauty of an electronic document is that it allows for the updating and editing of stories as new information comes to hand. There is also the ability to store archived stories within the website for continual access over time. Despite the never-ending list of advantages that online news offers, the biggest problem facing this new concept lies in revenue. News outlets have struggled to come up with effective business models by which to run online versions of the news and reap the financial rewards it deserves. This dilemma prompted the announcement earlier this year by News Corporation CEO Rupert Murdoch that plans to charge for subscriptions to the company’s websites may be implemented. Whether the public and other news outlets accept this model will be interesting to see.

So as we return out attention to the boxing ring for this historical clash of media heavyweights, the clear physical advantage of the internet cannot be denied. As the rounds go by Mr Tabloid nee Broadsheet continues to take a pummeling at the hands of his younger, stronger more vibrant opponent. Internet, sporting the traditionally victorious red trunks has the strong backing of generations ‘X, Y and Z’ and with the likes of Mr Murdoch now looming somewhere in between both corners, victory seems inevitable. Are we indeed witnessing the end of the humble newspaper? Sadly, we probably are. However, I certainly hope not. So go out and grab a copy now! By doing so, we may see the paper round continue for a little longer yet.

References:
Nichols, J & McChesney, R 2009, The death and life of great American newspapers, The Nation, viewed 24 May 2009

Image Source: Chicago Now