Web Passes Papers as a News Source

[kpete]

Source: New York Times

Web Passes Papers as a News Source

By ALEX MINDLIN
Published: January 4, 2009
The Internet overtook print newspapers as a news source this year, according to a report by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, which asked more than a thousand people where they got “most of” their national and international news. (Respondents were allowed to name more than one medium.)

The change does not represent a decline in the popularity of newspapers, which actually picked up a percentage point over last year. Rather, it represents a near-doubling, from 24 percent last year, in the number of people naming the Internet as their primary news source.

Michael Dimock, the Pew Center’s associate director, credited the presidential election, which he said lent itself to online coverage. “People often don’t want the general overview of an election,” he said. “They may want to follow their candidate, picking and choosing what they’re looking at in a way that mainstream media doesn’t allow.”

He added that political coverage works well with interactive features like Web polls and comment threads, whereas, for example, “the war in Iraq is a story well told by newspapers and television.”



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/business/media/05drill.html?_r=1

[DavidDvorkin]

1. But I wonder which sites people are going to

cnn.com and the like? If so, they're still not getting real news.

[proud progressive]

2. as opposed to?

[EFerrari]

5. It's not really possible to "get" real news any more, imo,

without fact checking whatever report you're reading against another source.

[No Elephants]

3. This is scary. There is not that much original research and reporting on the web, only

plagiarizing from print media and new services and bloviating about the stories they gather. If they go because people aren't buying papers, we're screwn.

Even in the print and broadcast media, we are getting fed too much info that originated with press releases from corporations and from somewhere in the administration.

Then again, the corporate media is so lazy and/or corrupt, it may be good if small presses start up to fill in the gaps. Peter Zenger redux, as it were.

I just don't know.

[Ichingcarpenter]

4. Top 10 Alternative News Sites of 2008

Top 10 Alternative News Sites of 2008

1. Alternet

“AlterNet’s aim is to inspire action and advocacy on the environment, human rights and civil liberties, social justice, media, health care issues, and more. Since its inception in 1998,....

2. The Real News

“The Real News Network is a television news and documentary network focused on providing independent and uncompromising journalism............

3. Link TV

“Link TV broadcasts programs that engage, educate and activate viewers to become involved in the world. These programs provide a unique perspective on international news, current events, and diverse cultures, presenting issues not often covered in the U.S. media..........


4. Raw Story

“The Raw Story is an alternative news nexus. We draw upon a panoply of news sources and select those stories we think most intriguing to a audience seeking news underplayed by the mainstream media.......


5. Press TV

“Heeding the often neglected voices and perspectives of a great portion of the world; Embracing and building bridges of cultural understanding;


6. Global Research

“The Centre for Research on Globalisation (CRG) is an independent research and media group of writers, scholars, journalists and activists. The CRG is based in Montreal.


7. Watching America

“WatchingAmerica reflects global opinion about the United States, helping Americans and non-Americans alike understand what the world thinks of current issues that involve the U.S.


8. The Intelligence Daily

“The Intelligence Daily is a daily updated, uncensored news site that strives to cover the news in a way that best reflect the trajectories of economic, political/geopolitical developments and major world events.


9. The Daily Reckoning

“The DR looks at the economic world-at-large and offers its major players - investors, politicians, economists and the average consumer - some much-needed constructive criticism.”

10. Voltaire Network

“What is Voltaire Network?
Voltaire Network International is a network of non-aligned press groups, fonded in 2005 by Thierry Meyssan.”

http://newsx.info/bp/2009/01/05/top-10-alternative-news... /