From paper to digital, the changing future of newspapers

KO YONG-CHUL Reporter

korocamia@naver.com | 2024-10-29 20:02:05

 

[GLOBAL ECONOMIC TIMES]  The smell of ink and the rustling sound of paper newspapers are now becoming memories. With the advent of an era where all the world's news can be easily accessed with a smartphone, newspapers are faced with a huge wave of digital transformation. The authority to provide information that was monopolized by paper newspapers in the past is no longer valid, and newspapers are at a point where they must find new ways to survive.

Internet newspapers have several distinct advantages over paper newspapers. 

First, it can update news in real time and provide various types of content. Richer and more vivid information can be delivered not only through text, but also through photos, videos, and graphics, and two-way communication that encourages reader participation is also possible. In addition, it is possible to provide in-depth articles without space limitations and showcase specialized content on a variety of topics.

However, online newspapers are not an all-purpose solution to all problems. New problems such as fake news, information overload, and algorithmic bias are emerging, and the trustworthiness of newspapers is becoming more important. In addition, due to intensifying competition in the Internet advertising market, there is an urgent need to diversify profit models.

What path should newspapers take in the future? 

First, securing reliability is most important. We must eradicate fake news and provide accurate information based on objective facts. No matter how good your content is, it is of no use if you do not gain the trust of your readers.

Second, reader participation must be activated. In addition to communicating using the comment function, it is also a good idea to build a platform where readers can directly write articles or participate in editing.

Third, various profit models must be developed. Revenue must be generated through a variety of methods, including paid subscription models, membership programs, events, and educational programs.

Fourth, services optimized for the mobile environment must be provided. As the number of people consuming news through smartphones increases, it is important to provide content and services suited to the mobile environment.

Fifth, we must explore new journalism using artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence can be used in various fields such as data analysis, article writing, and translation, and will increase the work efficiency of reporters and enable new forms of journalism.

Newspapers must go beyond simply being a medium to convey information and play a role in criticizing and improving society. In the digital age, newspapers must create new value through change and innovation and provide more useful information and services to readers. The future of newspapers is bright. I look forward to seeing a newspaper that constantly changes and develops.

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