image source: http://fundingthenews.usc.edu/report/digital.html
The demand for newspapers in the Western world is declining but our online news websites are expanding and becoming more available than ever before.
Popular websites being:
-ABC News
-News.com.au
-Ninemsn
Several options were brought up to handle the issue, including, government and philanthropic funding or creating a paywall to prevent access to content without an subscription.
Philanthropic funding allows others to help the media financially and support those who provide us with the news especially in the investigation department. It's a model being considered by media outlets and it has positive aspects. For example, if a newspaper was being funded by the public and business they would have the responsibility to provide quality content.
The Global Mail is a philanthropic funded news and feature website who strive to stand independently and provide original journalism.
The GM website states:
"News comes at every one of us from every angle, at every hour. We think our readers are looking for something more considered, and less breathless. The Global Mail steps back, takes a little time, and offers you perspective and information outside the clamour."
Check out The Global Mail here.
On the other hand, there is also the fear that funding could influence the reporting and chosen stories based on those supporting the newspaper.
Editor of Orlando Sentinel, Charlotte Hall refers to newspapers having two faces in the community, an editorial face that is independent and that works for public good through reporting and a corporate citizen face, that fulfills civic responsibility. Both of these relationships should be separate, thus not affecting reporting coverage at a newspaper (Westphal, 2009).
Generally,
newspapers have had two faces in the community: an editorial face that
is independent and that works for the public good through its reporting
and editorial positions, and a corporate citizen face that fulfills the
civic responsibility of an influential business through philanthropy and
board service. The relationship of the business side and philanthropies
should not affect news coverage. - See more at:
http://www.ojr.org/p1627/#sthash.OsrPdYkX.dpuf
Maybe it's time we accept the fact that journalism is changing and print is no longer significant as it once was, since online news websites came along providing us with 24/7 news instead. Not to mention, the endless twitter news accounts providing exclusive reports.
The problem is do we care enough to fund our newspapers? and If so does mean we will receive quality news?
It comes down to the people and what we willing to do.
Sources:
The Global Mail ltd 2012, The Global Mail, Sydney, Australia, viewed on 22 August 2013.
<http://www.theglobalmail.org/about/ >
Westphal, D 2009, Newspapers may seek philanthropy to support news gathering, Online Journalism Review, University of Southern California, US, viewed 22 August 2013.
Newspapers may seek philanthropy to support news-gathering - See more at: http://www.ojr.org/p1627/#sthash.OsrPdYkX.dpuf
Generally,
newspapers have had two faces in the community: an editorial face that
is independent and that works for the public good through its reporting
and editorial positions, and a corporate citizen face that fulfills the
civic responsibility of an influential business through philanthropy and
board service. The relationship of the business side and philanthropies
should not affect news coverage. - See more at:
http://www.ojr.org/p1627/#sthash.OsrPdYkX.dpuf
Generally,
newspapers have had two faces in the community: an editorial face that
is independent and that works for the public good through its reporting
and editorial positions, and a corporate citizen face that fulfills the
civic responsibility of an influential business through philanthropy and
board service. The relationship of the business side and philanthropies
should not affect news coverage. - See more at:
http://www.ojr.org/p1627/#sthash.OsrPdYkX.dpuf
No comments:
Post a Comment