Online News vs. Print Media: What Are The Chances?



Posted: Saturday, December 11, 2010

by Martin Barwise

The advent of technology paves the way to several changes in our daily activities. One of these changes is the way we get our news—from the print media to the online news. Although, the newspaper industry has not totally shifted into the web, ditching the sheets, almost all publications today have gone online. But what are the chances of this transformation? And where will this lead the newspaper industry, and in turn us, the readers?

Majority of the newspaper executives are honest in telling us that an online venture can be a great asset to the newspaper industry considering that many people prefer to go online to fetch the latest stories. This means that in terms of circulation, there's greater chance for any newspaper to reach a wider audience. Although, this doesn't entirely impact the newspapers' revenue, as online news—in most cases—can be accessed for free, the online venture is an avenue for a newspaper to invite more advertisers, given it has a huge circulation.

However, this undertaking doesn't always prompt good news. In terms of advertising, print is more lucrative. New York Times, for example, earns more than $400 million annually of its print ads while online ads only give them around $50 million a year. The problem here can be attributed to the fact that competition in the online world is fervid. Also, most newspaper companies only come with half-page and quarter-page web ads in contrast to full-page print ads, which most advertisers buy.

Nevertheless, nothing can stop the newspaper companies from going online, as it is simply a "trend." New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller expressed in an interview: "The Web audience is growing at a great clip, while print circulation is not. And online revenues are growing faster, too, albeit from a smaller base. If the trends continue, there's little doubt that—“eventually"—online becomes the main business."

Notwithstanding the fact that online news will "eventually" replace the newspapers, Keller shared in the same interview: “Eventually covers a lot of future. I think newspapers on paper will be around for a good while yet. They may in time become niche products—like vinyl LPs—for a particular audience.”

Whatever the chances are and wherever all of these will lead the newspaper companies and us, one thing should always be present for both the print media and the online news: “Quality, by which I mean adhering to high standards of detection and verification, skepticism and fairness, clarity and insight, independence (of journalism)…” according to Keller.

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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 1 year 164 days ago.
153 fans.
I had never thought about the advertising aspect of online news sources. I guess the fact that the papers are still earning well is about the best indication we have that they aren't heading for extinction.
» left by Ella Camp
 1 year 161 days ago.
90 fans.
Even in the onslaught of progressive change, we are loath to give up the things and habits we've come to love- like paper books- we adults Now- will not give them up in our lifetime..but in the distant future they will become historical relics- the then generation not accustomed to their usage....Good thought provoking article- my favorite kind... :Always- Ella
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