The Growth of Using the Electronic Newspapers - Assignment Example

Considering the growth of electronic newspapers, will the traditional newspaper die in the next 30 years? Name Institution Introduction The development of new digital media has challenged conventional media in recent years. The reading habits of many people are shifting as electronic media grows as a source of alternative news. New media has affected how various newspapers source and circulate their daily news, and many newspaper outlets are moving away from the traditional platform towards the digital platform (Barthelemy, 2011, p.21). As such, many daily papers, especially in developed nations like Germany and the USA, actively use online technologies to source for articles and most have created their new websites from where customers can access the electronic versions of the paper, and also for the purpose of reaching new markets across the globe. The television news and print media continue to question their future in the face of new media, accelerated by the advent of global internet connectivity. The decline in circulation levels of various newspapers and the reported ratings of other traditional media, such as the network news indicate and predict the inevitable death of most traditional media formats (Hoffman, 2006, p.59). In the 21st century, the internet changed from just being the ‘emergent communication technology’ to being a widespread and mature medium of mass communication. According to data from the Internet World Stats, global internet access grew at around 400% in the periods between 2001 and 2010. The number of internet users had surpassed the 2.0 billion mark by 2011. Indeed, the internet has gained credibility as a reliable medium of mass communication in many nations and seems to command a sustainable increase in ubiquity and comprehensiveness. However, this is not the case for the print traditional newspaper. An aura of replacement and loss seems to pervade this old medium, especially as most of its appeal and ideal functions appear to be usurped and delivered better through electronic online platforms (Papachirisi & Rubin, 2010, p.179). The new perceptions on the new and old mediums suggest a rather casual relationship between the two mediums; as internet usage increases, traditional newspapers are losing user base (Neuberger et al., 1998, p.22). Reports show spikes in amount of newspaper operations shutting down since early 2008. While this can be partly attributed to the recent economic recession, there is overwhelming evidence that other factors such as new emerging media and the explosion of internet use are the real culprits in the decline of print newspaper (Coats, 2008, p.20). This review will discuss the growth of electronic newspapers and how this has affected mass relay of information. The paper will argue out how the future of the traditional newspaper looks and what to expect in the next thirty or so years. In so doing, the paper will evaluate various literatures written on the same and seek to pinpoint their shortcomings and existing gaps in those areas of study. The focus will be how the new electronic media has affected the traditional newspaper and how this is likely to play out in the future, given the continued growth and advent of new media platforms in a fast pacing technological world. The Literature Review Statistics point to a steady decrease in newspaper circulation, sales and readership across the globe in the recent years. This is reinforced by information concerning an increasing number of newspaper outlets being shut down, especially in Europe and North America. Generally, this does not indicate a bright future for this industry, with pundits envisioning the inevitable death of print newspapers in a few years to come. According to Huang (2007), about 81% of Americans and 77% of Europeans once read the dailies (p.445). Today, as little as 45% do. Print and sales fell by 31% in the 21st century and more than 90% of major newspapers reported a decline in circulation of between 10-20% (p.46). However, Akin of the Enduring News paper (Ihlsrom & Palmer, 2009, p.231) argues that more than 1300 dailies in the U.S. and about 1200 dailies in Europe were still profitable and ‘doing well’ as of 2009, even with the bite of the global recession. Despite the indication that newspaper readership and sales have been declining from as far back as the 1920’s, total circulation in the UK and US started to decline in the 1990s, hence the casual conclusion and suggestions that the growth of the Internet was the prime reason (Chyi & Lasorsa, 1999, p.9). The internet, as a viable source of information, provides good access to mainstream and non-mainstream news. Therefore, it is vital to examine and analyze how the growth of this alternative form of relay will undermine the traditional newspaper. Barabasi, in ‘how everything is connected’(Hoffman, 2006, p.74) argues that the internet does not beat print media in terms of readership after conducting a research to determine whether the internet, with its almost instantaneous availability, virtually zero publishing costs and limited content censorship, enshrines an egalitarian and democratic forum where anyone and everyone gets an equal chance . The results showed that this is not true. Making mass information available does not always guarantee that somebody will view it. Nonetheless, he agrees that, in the long run, electronic media will outdo print media no matter the readership levels in the future. Many authors have argued that, since traditional newspapers have an established credibility and tradition as the genuine generators of daily news, they thus are best placed and suited to duplicate their forms online and still retain the same level of trust bestowed to them by the public (Domingo & Heinone, 2009, p.14). In so saying, the authors seem to agree in suggesting that the traditional print newspaper will eventually die, but will almost explicably be replaced by the online version. This means the death will actually be a transition from print to online. In contrast, Johnson & Kaye (2004) argue that since newspapers have elaborate content vetted by professional editors, they are bound to yield and convey more informational news than all other substitutes (p.623). They also say that internet based mediums will not easily duplicate the influence of the good old paper. In agreement, newspaper analyst D. Logan (Hoffman, 2006, p.61), says that newspapers are the forerunners of all media, dictate the news discourse and definitely pave the way for all the new media sources. The author laments that many of the new media sources rely on newspapers, newsrooms and databases for their content. In a similar vindication, Coats (2008) observes that it will take some time before the internet establishes its authenticity and independence as a journalistic media source and be in a position to compete favorably with the traditional media forms (p.25). The older media sources still determine the processes of media coverage and the required journalistic standards. In fact, digital and broadcast media have not yet developed their own reporting infrastructure and the credibility level which newspapers enjoy (Johnson & Kaye, 2004, p.640). The Canadian Newspaper Association indicates that newspapers continue to be solidly present in most communities, despite the rapid shift in media landscape due to the trust they enjoy among citizens and their big influence in the public matters. Hoffman (2006) observes that the online versions of most local papers constitute the local news website in many American cities (p.76). It is true that, over time, consumers always promote a sole market space to meet on a definite place where sellers, buyers and middlemen are likely to meet. Additionally, Huang (2007) says that about 40% of the internet traffic is directed to newspaper sites (p.446) and also points that online forms of many Canadian print newspapers dominate the daily internet news (p.447). However, the author is quick to clarify that Canadian newspapers are an online success because of their printed forms are quite unpopular and are poorly rated. Johnson & Kaye (2004) laments the unprofessional, unguided, fact-less and passionate statures in which internet news are offered (p.627). Due to the questionable origins of online information and news, a good old school daily comes out as trustworthy and worthwhile. According to Domingo & Heinone (2009), online sources of news actually complement the traditional paper instead of killing it, and this is a great opportunity for flourishing and not a threat to the survival of print outlets (p.33). Readership and circulation of print newspapers in Canada was steady between the years 2006-2009, with about 73% of adults indicating that they read the paper once every week. Aggregating the print and web newspaper formats, it shows that newspapers reach more people worldwide. However, making the online versions profitable as the print version has proven quite challenging. In researching the appeal of print media, Coats (2008) observes that there has been a change in the nature of audiences, especially with the new technologies and also what can be said to be an overload in the audience’s ability to consider and receive many messages at a little cost (p.34). Papacharisi & Rubin (2010) correctly observes that despite print newspapers being the sources of state, national, local and international news, comics, sports, opinion, classifieds, entertainment and fashion news, many people are taking advantage of online capabilities, such as ‘unbundling’ news they do want from the batches of unwanted news (p.181). The many shortcomings on quality and professional experience traceable in online content can be observed and their influences noted. The catalogue functionality of traditional print newspapers is one of its utmost strength in competing with other media, such as television, and that in turning pages to find specific information, the reader actually interacts with it (Hoffman, 2006, p.71). The internet gets its appeal from the combination of many high quality images with a lot of information, some of which is quite detailed. However, author Wilson I of the Enduring Newspaper (Ihlsrom & Palmer, 2009, p.234) insinuates that online formats offer information in a disjointed manner and this can cause a skewed and fragmented understanding of the actual state of affairs, as compared to traditional newspapers. It is important to note that the existing data and research on this topic is incomprehensive, given the division of collected data according to regions and countries. There is also little data on the growth of electronic newspapers in third world countries and any research carried out in these places is often superficial. Another point of concern is the legitimacy and truthfulness of the research findings by various players, especially given the fact that the newspaper industry has been faced by many other challenges, among them: economic recession, dwindling advertisement revenue, censorship, decreasing readership and reduced market value. Conclusion Until the recent past, print newspapers had been used to operating high-margin monopolized ventures. To own a dominant newspaper in medium size city in North America, Europe or Australia had been an explicit form of license to print hard cash. However, in the internet age, nobody has quite figured out exactly how to rescue the print newspaper in the future. In a characteristic effort, many newspapers have done websites to replicate the online newspaper version and to leverage the growth in online advertisements. However, the sums accumulated online will never be enough in replacing revenue lost in dwindled print newspaper circulation and adjoined adverts. This clearly heralds the death of the traditional newspapers, though it is decades in the happening. Electronic technology has ensured that the internet surpasses newspapers as a source of most news across North America and Europe, in the near future. Since newspapers have become a least preferred source of information, especially for young people, researchers expect the ultimate phasing out of print newspapers. However, some researchers still make a case for the print newspaper version and predict its survival given some of its advantages over the online version. Other researchers have argued that the print newspaper will simply transition to the online format. However, my take is that the end of the traditional newspaper is nigh. Thirty years will not elapse before the last printed paper is shoved at a doorstep. From the literature review examined above, some research question did arise and require further examination. They are as follows: Given that various countries have differing media and business cultures, varying levels of government involvement and regulation, how will the growth of electronic newspapers play out in these different environments? Can the current reported decline in newspaper readership and circulation be significantly attributed to the explosion of electronic media? What other parameters are playing out in the decline of the traditional newspaper? References Barthelemy, S., M. Bethell, T. Christiansen, A. Jarsvall & K. Koinis. (2011). “The Future ofPrint Media.” Capstone Report vol. 1 No.1. Retrieved from: www.sipa.columbia.edu/academics/workshops/documents/WorldNewsmediaInnovationsStudy-CapstoneWorkshopSpring2011-ABRIDGED.pdf [Accessed 10 September 2014] Chyi, H. I. & Lasorsa, D. L. (2007). Access, use and preferences for online newspapers. Newspaper Research Journal, Vol. 20, No.4, pp. 2-13 Coats, R. (2008). Power Users: A Profile of Online Newspaper Consumers. Digital edge report, Vol. 1, No. 3 http://hh.divaportal.org/smash/get/diva2:237602/FULLTEXT01.pdf [September, 10, 2014] Domingo, D. & A. Heinone. 2009. “Weblogs and Journalism: A Typology to Explore the Blurring Boundaries.” Nordicom Review, 29 (1): 3-45. Huang, C. 2007, "Transitional Media vs. Normative Theories: Schramm, Altschull, and China", Journal of Communication, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 444-459. http://search.proquest.com/docview/233071428/91C14F51E34895PQ/1?accountid=45049 [Accessed 10 September 2014] Hoffman, L.H. 2006, "IS INTERNET CONTENT DIFFERENT AFTER ALL? A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF MOBILIZING INFORMATION IN ONLINE AND PRINT NEWSPAPERS", Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, vol. 83, no. 1, pp. 58-76. Ihlström, C. & Palmer, J. (2009). Revenues for Online Newspapers: Owner and User Perceptions. In Electronic Markets: the International Journal of Electronic Commerce & Business Media, Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 228-236. Johnson, T.J. & Kaye, B.K. 2004, "WAG THE BLOG: HOW RELIANCE ON TRADITIONAL MEDIA AND THE INTERNET INFLUENCE CREDIBILITY PERCEPTIONS OF WEBLOGS AMONG BLOG USERS", Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, vol. 81, no. 3, pp. 622-642. http://search.proquest.com/docview/216933527/91C14F51E34895PQ/4?accountid=45049 [Accessed 10 September 2014] Neuberger, C., Tonnemacher, J., Biebl, M. & Duck, A. (1998). Online -- The Future of Newspapers? Germany's Dailies on the World Wide Web. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Vol. 4, No. 1. Available at: http://www.ascusc.org/jcmc/vol4/issue1/neuberger.html [September, 10, 2014] Papacharissi, Z. andRubin, A. M. (2010). Predictors of Internet use. Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, 44, 175-196 https://www.unilorin.edu.ng/publications/adisarm/IT%20REVOLUTION%20&%20NEWSPAPER%20FUTURE.pdf [Accessed 10 September 2014] Read More

Despite the indication that newspaper readership and sales have been declining from as far back as the 1920’s, total circulation in the UK and US started to decline in the 1990s, hence the casual conclusion and suggestions that the growth of the Internet was the prime reason (Chyi & Lasorsa, 1999, p.9). The internet, as a viable source of information, provides good access to mainstream and non-mainstream news. Therefore, it is vital to examine and analyze how the growth of this alternative form of relay will undermine the traditional newspaper.

Barabasi, in ‘how everything is connected’(Hoffman, 2006, p.74) argues that the internet does not beat print media in terms of readership after conducting a research to determine whether the internet, with its almost instantaneous availability, virtually zero publishing costs and limited content censorship, enshrines an egalitarian and democratic forum where anyone and everyone gets an equal chance . The results showed that this is not true. Making mass information available does not always guarantee that somebody will view it.

Nonetheless, he agrees that, in the long run, electronic media will outdo print media no matter the readership levels in the future. Many authors have argued that, since traditional newspapers have an established credibility and tradition as the genuine generators of daily news, they thus are best placed and suited to duplicate their forms online and still retain the same level of trust bestowed to them by the public (Domingo & Heinone, 2009, p.14). In so saying, the authors seem to agree in suggesting that the traditional print newspaper will eventually die, but will almost explicably be replaced by the online version.

This means the death will actually be a transition from print to online. In contrast, Johnson & Kaye (2004) argue that since newspapers have elaborate content vetted by professional editors, they are bound to yield and convey more informational news than all other substitutes (p.623). They also say that internet based mediums will not easily duplicate the influence of the good old paper. In agreement, newspaper analyst D. Logan (Hoffman, 2006, p.61), says that newspapers are the forerunners of all media, dictate the news discourse and definitely pave the way for all the new media sources.

The author laments that many of the new media sources rely on newspapers, newsrooms and databases for their content. In a similar vindication, Coats (2008) observes that it will take some time before the internet establishes its authenticity and independence as a journalistic media source and be in a position to compete favorably with the traditional media forms (p.25). The older media sources still determine the processes of media coverage and the required journalistic standards. In fact, digital and broadcast media have not yet developed their own reporting infrastructure and the credibility level which newspapers enjoy (Johnson & Kaye, 2004, p.640). The Canadian Newspaper Association indicates that newspapers continue to be solidly present in most communities, despite the rapid shift in media landscape due to the trust they enjoy among citizens and their big influence in the public matters.

Hoffman (2006) observes that the online versions of most local papers constitute the local news website in many American cities (p.76). It is true that, over time, consumers always promote a sole market space to meet on a definite place where sellers, buyers and middlemen are likely to meet. Additionally, Huang (2007) says that about 40% of the internet traffic is directed to newspaper sites (p.446) and also points that online forms of many Canadian print newspapers dominate the daily internet news (p.447). However, the author is quick to clarify that Canadian newspapers are an online success because of their printed forms are quite unpopular and are poorly rated.

Johnson & Kaye (2004) laments the unprofessional, unguided, fact-less and passionate statures in which internet news are offered (p.627).

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