The great debate: Online vs. Offline

Is there a need for daily newspapers in our dot.com age??

For decades daily newspapers have played a pivotal role in society. The coming of the twenty first century brought about many changes not only technologically, but also in the way in which we view the importance of daily newspapers in our lives. The online verus traditional distribution of news presents a debate which continues to infiltrate society. At present many believe that newspapers “are unimportant in the contemporary, highly diversified mass media world.” (Bonner, 2006: 193) Contrary to this, many still believe there is still relevance for daily newspapers despite living in an age of online and global media.

The birth of the World Wide Web emerged as one of the most significant technological developments which had capabilities of improving newspapers significantly. The web provides news many steps up from the traditional newspaper, providing not only text and graphics but also providing option of video, sound and linking capabilities. (Knight, 2000) These capabilities, offered by advancements in technology have redefined the way news is communicated. The explosion of the internet provides society with immediacy. People can access news and information when and where they want.

Bill Gates, the chairman of Microsoft Corporations once claimed that “the web will be as much a way if life as the car by 2008, probably before.” (Knight, 2000: 73) As we drift into mid 2008 this statement reigns true and extremely relevant to many. However, there are a significant proportion of Australians, and citizens of the world for that matter with whom this statement does not apply. Figures have suggested a decline in the popularity of daily newspapers; this reduction in numbers however, cannot completely justify their irrelevance in society today. Many of us fail to keep in mind issues such as the ‘digital divide’ which exists throughout Australia and the world.

Convergence has impacted the way we consume media. Today people are exposed to a smorgasbord of technologies compared to earlier years where newspapers provided a sole source of news and information available. So, while there appears to be a decrease in the significance of newspapers, it’s important we also take into account many people use these technologies in conjunction with each other. Today many newspaper companies have web sites which work in union with their newspapers. In my opinion technology has enabled audiences to explore more in-depth issues of interest whilst also providing avenues to access archived material. What online news sites do is work with previously established news sites and offer as an improvement, redefining ways in which news is communicated to them.

Overall research suggests that society has seen a significant decline in newspapers since their birth in the early 1800’s. So are newspapers the ageing medium? There relevance is certainly questioned as we continue to grow into a time poor society. The birth of the World Wide Wed has allowed news and information, through the touch of a button, to be accessed when and where people desire. Unlike Gates prediction – a proportion of society does not have access to technologies such as these. The digital divide means that many still rely on tradition media sources for their news and information. Needless to say, many who do have access to this technology continue to rely upon the traditional daily newspapers. It is evident that newspaper levels have reduced however, the newspaper continues to be an important and relevant medium in society relied upon by many. After all, as Dennis DuBois puts it, “Nothing beats the feel of paper in your hands.” (Macdigg, 2006)


Some interesting reads:

Newspaper vs. Online: Print Vs. Digital a conversation. http://www99.epinions.com/content_3321077892

Macdigg blog, Newspaper vs. online news. http://www.macdigg.com/blog/2006/11/newspaper-vs-online-news.html

References:

Bonner, F. (2006) “Magazines”, in Cunningham, S., and Turner, G (eds.) The Media and communications in Australia, Crows Nest: Allen and Unwin, pp. 193-208.

Knight, J., Steemers, J., and Weedon, A. (2000) “Convergence: The international Journal of Research into New Media Technologies,” Remediation and the Desire for Immediacy vol.6, pp62-72.

Knight, J., Steemers, J., and Weedon, A. (2000) “Convergence: The international Journal of Research into New Media Technologies,” A monkey looking at a watch: Cultural practices, Technology and understanding social process. vol.6, pp72-85.

Macdigg. 2006. Newspaper vs. Online news. Macdigg: technology related columns. http://www.macdigg.com/blog/2006/11/newspaper-vs-online-news.html (accessed May 5, 2008)