The transition from actual newspapers to online news sources is nothing new, and it certainly isn’t anything to be particularly surprised about. With the almost ridiculous rates information is being passed form person to person, it seems that the shift from tangible to electronic is the most practical move for most news organizations. People spend more time online than ever before, so this new transition appears to be plausible. If that’s where your audience is, why not be there as well?
In fact, it seems that the world is even closer to your fingertips than ever before!
In the summer of 20008, The New York Times released a free iPhone and iPhone Touch application that provides major headlines and photo clips that are accessible at any time of the day anywhere. This revolutionized the concept of online news, and the Times was given the opportunity to expand its reader-base and provide access virtually anywhere. According to senior vice-president Vivian Schiller, “Our new NYTimes iPhone application provides readers with an even richer, more personalized experience and greater access to our high-quality journalism whether they are on or offline." People can feel more in touch with what is going on around them and obtain even more up-to-the-minute information.
Later, in Dec. of 2008, USA Today also launched a free application for the two Apple platforms. USA Today’s application is customizable to each user, providing specific sections like Health or Sports, as well as the opportunity to share news stories with friends via Twitter, e-mail, or text.
But what about the newspaper revenue? News organizations filing for bankruptcy? Reports of loss of income for the first time in some companies’ existence? If two of the largest newspaper companies in the nation are offering free applications, similar to online subscriptions (except this is now in your hands), where is the income?
Although each of these applications are innovative as far as the outreach and access capabilities, I feel that this is not going to affect the overall revenue loss that is affecting newspaper across the country. These applications uphold the fact that people are consuming news more than ever, yet they do not appear to alleviate the ever-present problem of lack of funds for these organizations. Hopefully in the upcoming years, newspaper institutions will be able to still outreach to their readers and expand their fan-bases and provide “news at your fingertips,” yet not fade away into the mist.
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I have to admit Christina, I love my USA Today and Mobile News (offered by the Associated Press) "App" on my iPhone. Thanks for ruining the buzz. Now I can't enjoy my news without feeling guilty for playing a part in the demise of the industry I love.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, though, you offer very good insights into the dilemma the industry faces. Yes, it's great when we can dish out news to people's fingertips. But how are we to fund journalism if everyone is getting it for free?
Come up with that answer, and you will be a very rich woman.