Does the rise of the internet mean the fall of journalism?

By Alexis Jones

Within the past few decades, news has shifted from newspaper articles from journalists to an online platform where online journalism is highly prevalent. But with the shift to a heavy online presence and news coming from various online competitors, what does this mean for the fate of journalism and newsprint? Bob Wyss, environmental reporter and journalist professor, analyzes the growth of media and the positive and negative effects growing media platforms have had on traditional journalism. 

The growth of media sources as a new form of journalism allows for greater access. The internet is now at the fingertips of the majority of our population which means that consumers have greater access to online journalism information from virtually anywhere. The internet also allows for quick updates and access to current information through social media posts and live reporting. Increased accessibility also leads to an abundance of online journalists. A disadvantage to this abundance is that essentially anyone can be a journalist and make a post leading to “problems of misleading, source credibility and balance frequently arise” (Friedman, 2015, as cited in Wyss, 2019, p. 199). This can be dangerous as not all sites and writers provide reliable information.

Another benefit to online media platforms is that new growth is always happening.  New technology and media sources allow for better adaption because “innovation is always driving new developments” (Wyss, 2019, p. 195). Therefore, the information continues to be presented faster and more efficiently. However, a negative aspect of this growth is that it creates “internal competition between individual journalists – competition based on the popularity of the content, not the quality of the content” (Wilding et al., 2018, p. 38). Rather than journalists taking their time to provide credible information, they are pressured to present a story at any cost which can mislead readers. 

Not only do online journalism platforms have technical growth, but community growth as well. Communities and community members are able to interact with media sources which strengthen the reader and viewer relationship. The ease of an online platform also allows for interactive journalism where citizens are able to take part in their communities and become citizen journalists by “contributing information that depending on its nature we might call news, science, or both” (Wyss, 2019, p. 206). Everyday citizens are able to become journalists and take the issues that matter most to them and their community in their hands to share with the world. 

While traditional journalism may not be at the forefront any longer, journalism can still survive just in a new form. There are negative aspects such as lack of credibility based on the writer and increased competition among journalists. However, the goal of journalism, to reach more viewers and get needed information out into the world can happen through online journalism because it allows for greater accessibility, innovation, and increased participation.

This story was updated on 12/7/2021. The primary changes were links to sources within the body of the work.

References

Wilding, D., Fray, P., Molitorisz, S. & McKewon, E. (2018). The Impact of Digital Platforms on News and Journalistic Content. Centre for Media Transition.

Wyss, B. (2019). Covering the environment: How journalists work the green beat (2nd ed.). Routledge.