What's Happening to the News?

Within the first few minutes of the opening segment, it is said that the practice of applying the same standards to entertainment as news, is one of the greatest tragedies in journalism. This is one of the things that struck me most from the Frontline documentary. Standards for news have shifted, especially online when it's all about trying to get click-throughs and catch attention. The internet has certainly been good for journalism is some ways as well. There can now be instant updates and stories constantly develop through the day. But being a fan of traditional print journalism, the online trend leaves me concerned.

The President of ABC said he thinks news is what matters to people, and that's why so many broadcast stations have entertainment type stories. However, I would argue that in addition to what matters to people, journalists should take into account what should matter to people and also report on those issues.

I also find it interesting that most of the news content from online and broadcast stories still depends on the reporting done by print journalists. It's a weird relationship because while online coverage depends on newspapers, it is also threatening them. What will happen when newspapers become irrelevant and fold when they can't make a profit. Where will the reporting come from then?

One of the positive things about the internet is that the unlimited space allows for the expanded range of coverage. However, one of the biggest negatives I see is the fact that there are also no limits to the internet. Anyone can put forth something they call news and it can spread rapidly, but the accuracy and relevance of such stories is questionable. The creator of Rocketboom said he has never even thought about journalism and what that means. Without standards, there is nothing to prevent news from being corrupted. News should be trustworthy, but the internet with its openness to anyone and everyone can't offer this. Print journalism can, but it's a dying field.