Online journalism is a relatively new medium in the world of journalism. It has progressed rapidly in recent years since the development and widespread use of the internet and world wide web. Technology changes rapidly, and thus the future of online journalism is exciting and virtually limitless.
Much of the debate on the future of online journalism focuses on whether it will replace traditional mediums or continue to complement them. Boynton (2000: 29) suggests there will be further blurring between the mediums but that online journalism will supplement traditional mediums rather than replace them.
The development of technology and multimedia will dictate the development of online journalism. However while efficiency and interactivity are bound to increase, the expansion of online journalism may also lead to some problems (De Wolk, 2001). Potential problems include various ethical issues, along with the concern that an increase in online niche publications could create social divisions.
Academics suggest the future of online journalism will involve new gadgets and inventions that will be developed as technology improved (Boynton, 2000: 29). One example is the possible development of an electronic newspaper that can download news from a computer or phone line. That information would then appear in a special grid between two sheets of plastic, where it could be viewed by the user.
Others suggest the future of online journalism relies more on a shift in thinking and journalistic culture rather than the progress and inventions of technology (Deuze, 2003: 203-230). The altered format of online journalism changes the focus of journalism from what it has been with traditional mediums. The new focus is connecting to content and other information through hyperlinks and multimedia rather than merely providing packaged individual content. This is a change from traditional media and will gradually determine the future of journalism as this shift in journalistic culture is further explored.
Another expected change to online journalism is that the medium will become more and more personalised for individual users (Millison, 2004). One such way to make online journalism more personal is further incorporation of blogs. This would allow more interaction between readers and provide immediate commentary on news events and other issues (Froomkin, 2004). There may be increased focus on monitoring web traffic to gauge the types of information web-users are seeking. This would make the medium more personal and audience specific, although it does have some privacy ramifications.
There are many different attitudes regarding the challenges of the future and the progress online journalism will make. While the future is not completely clear, it is certain that the medium will continue to grow and prosper as technology improves and the medium is further understood and embraced.
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References
Boynton, R. (2000) "New Media May Be Old Media's Savior" Columbia Journalism Review, vol.39, no.2, pp.29.
Deuze, M. (2003) “The web and its journalisms: considering the consequences of different types of newsmedia online,� New Media & Society, vol. 5, no.2, pp. 203-230.
De Wolk, R. (2001) Introduction to Online Journalism: Publishing News and Information, Needham Heights, MA.: Allyn and Bacon, ISBN 0205286895.
Froomkin, D. (2004) “Ideas for Online Publications: Lessons From Blogs, Other Signposts,� Online Journalism Review, retrieved August 9, 2004, from http://ojr.org/ojr/workplace/1085603014.php.
Hall, J. (2001) Online Journalism : A Critical Primer, London: Pluto Press, ISBN 0745311938.
Millison, D. (2004) Online Journalism FAQ, retrieved August 9, 2004, from http://home.comcast.net/~dougmillison/faq.html.
Hayley Rayment 16:17, 28 Oct 2004 (EST)
