In ten years time could we be telling our children about this thing from the past; the paper?
Perez Hilton states that "The internet is king." So the hard copy print will soon be obselete or at least viewed only by a minority. Is this the way of the future, or should we hold onto the tradition of the paper?
For those of you who enjoy broadsheets that knock out innocent bystanders and news that dates almost as soon as it is published, this argument will mean nothing. For others who devote their lives to the world wide web; this may mean everything.
The truth is out there. Newspaper sales are declining and more and more people are using the web for news, entertainment, research and networking, and why not? With all these categories available through the one source, it would appear an easy decision. One brave commentator has even suggested that in 2043 the last newspaper will be delivered. This will result in a significant cut in jobs within the media and communications industry, unless our journalists can adapt to online writing.
While the number of journalism graduate students is increasing, most university courses will neglect this ominous fact and deny the gradual decline of the newspapers popularity. However, the introduction of online journalism electives is preparing our students to enter the cyber world.
Sure we want easily accesible news that is frequently updated, but literally; at what price? Are we willing to pay a monthly subscription fee to something that we have had for so long; at cafe's for free?
Only time will tell; it's all about the future.
Sources:
-Perez Hilton. The Internets is King. February 5, 2009
-Lateline Transcript:
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Broadcast: 17/06/2009
Reporter: Mark Simkin http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2008/s2601268.htm
Broadcast: 17/06/2009
Reporter: Mark Simkin http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2008/s2601268.htm
