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Computers & Writing 2000 Online - Evolution, Revolution and Implementation: Computers and Writing for Global Change March 15 - June 6, 2000, Fort Worth, Texas |
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The Integrated Newsroom: A study of technical challenges news publishers face in the digital age |
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Abstract: This paper presents the result of a study which sought to gain an understanding of how the World Wide Web (WWW) is shaping today's online news products. It presents specific findings focussed on technical, hardware and software challenges today's news publishers are facing. Using a case study approach, two online newspapers namely; The Age Online (John Fairfax Holdings Pty Ltd) and The Straits Times Interactive (The Singapore Press Holdings) were examined. They were launched in 1995 making them pioneers in this new medium at a stage when the commercial use of the Internet was in its infancy. The Age Online was the first paper in Australia to go online while The Straits Times Interactive was one of the first in Southeast Asia. Besides a change in journalistic work practice, technology has introduced an evolution in writing style, newsgathering and the production and delivery of news. In today's integrated newsroom, once employed neo-journalists still require substantial 'on the job' training and experience to become editorial decision-makers. Current trends indicate a need for younger multi-skilled journalists who are often technically inclined; increased deadline pressures; an emphasis on better content management software and the need to gratify technology-savvy online audiences. Publishers are working on implementing a smooth transfer of content from present desktop publishing systems to sophisticated online content software with customised versions of software such as FutureTense and Cybergraphic. Industry trends to note are: the shift from "news publisher" to "information content provider" mentality, an increasing interest in investing in new media businesses, innovative methods of online delivery, and Wireless Application Protocol and XMLs (extensible mark-up language) potential to revolutionise news delivery and production. ### |
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