Lecture 6: Web News

This week's lecture focused on the digital aspect of news reporting - the Internet. It is safe to assume that the Internet is one of the greatest ways in which news can spread. I know, that each morning I use "Facebook" or "Brisbane Times", both online websites that can give me the daily news. Our increasing reliance on these digital forms of information means that Journalism must quickly adapt to them. 

The Internet has certainly transformed how news is presented.
Source: http://mbawrites.com/mba/5-tips-to-ace-online-cat-2011-simple-but-important/

These new technology presents itself a new language that we are slowly adapting to. 
It hard to deny the impact the Internet has had on our lives. In his book, "Case Studies of Communication Campaigns using Web 2.0", John Harrison showed that social network sites have around 4 million new users each month. The internet has allowed us to do so many new things - post our opinions, create blogs, chat with people around the world and so much more. The main thing about the internet is its ability to connect people with each other. For this reason, journalists need to allow a more easier and quicker access to news. 

The Internet is introducing new forms of communication.
Source: http://seleani.com/yahaho/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/web-2-3-evolution.jpg

Web Iterations
Old media, or "traditional media", are referred to the news mediums used from the industrial paradigm. They include newspapers, magazines, radio and television. New media refers to the applications created on the world wide web. Two iterations of the Internet have been created, and a third is soon to be released. 

Has the Internet replaced old media?
Source: http://onlinebusiness.volusion.com/articles/old-versus-new-media

Web 1.0, the "information web", provided specialised information and was generally viewed as a tool of printed and televised media. Web 2.0, the "social web", introduced the interactivity between users and also promoted user-generated content. This form included less advertisements and relied more on networking, live chat, and mobile applications. Skype, Facebook and Twitter are just a few examples of how Web 2 really did change the world. In fact, when did you last check Facebook?? I think web 2 also increased citizen journalism and this reliance on "real" people to provide "real" information. With many national disasters and crisis, like the Japan earthquakes or the London riots, so much news has been provided by people themselves through these social networking sites. It has certainly changed how news is presented, but I don't necessarily think its replacing the traditional forms of news reporting, like newspapers and television. I view it as another tool for us to gain more access to information and interactivity with others. Web 3.0, the "semantic web" involves a more personalised view of the world. From suggestions to the nearest shop or related items to our shopping, Web 3.0 promotes our individuality. It also introduces "metatagging". 

All forms of Internet allows a vast amount of ways to interact with others.
Source:http://wgraziadei.home.comcast.net/~wgraziadei/Webolution.html

Implications to news reporting?
What does all this mean to journalism?? All of these internet forms introduce new ways in which news can be delivered to the audience. With upcoming Web 3.0, news will include:

• hyperlocalisation
• specific content delivery
• personalised news
• more specific advertising
• less lack of "general knowledge"

During this lecture we learnt a valuable lesson to the cost of internet. We were given jelly beans (which were so delicious!) but then they were taken away from us, unless we paid money. This is what is happening on the Internet. With news being so easily accessible online, we will soon have to pay for it for journalism to continue. The introduction of a "Paywall" can be seen on "The Times" website. This membership allows access to more specialised content and other privileges. However, there still remains a large amount of other websites still delivering free news online. I do believe that a paywall is a good idea for journalists, but the increasing costs could become problematic for the public. 

But it was free!! Will we have to pay for online news?
Source: http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2010/11/20/paywalls-coming-to-australia-news-corp-confirms/

This lecture raised some serious issues with the Internet and the news. I think that Web 3.0 is a brilliant way for people to not only connect but receive personalised information. The news online has become a necessity to my life - I am always accessing news sites for more world affairs. The immediacy and different forms (videos or pictures or articles) makes it so easy for me to understand and become more interested. The paywall is a good idea for newspapers, but I just hope they are not too expensive!
 

All different ways to have a conversation. Amazing.
Source: http://flatclassroom10-1.flatclassroomproject.org/Web+2.0