Today’s Star features an intriguing article that examines how MSM is starting to wake up to the fact that many people are turning towards the internet as their #1 source for news – Papers boosting their online “brand”.
The Star itself is focussing more attention on ad revenue generated from interest-specific sites, which is also an area that has attracted many bloggers.
As for the print version, I think it will continue although subscriptions will probably decline over time as downloads to personal portable devices rise in popularity.
Another area that will likely grow is the option of a subscription to an ad-free internet zone, embellished with extra features not available on the free site. This is where I think the Globe is behind the times with most of their stories under subscriber lock. It discourages Bloggers from linking to their articles, which decreases traffic to their ad-revenue generated sites. If they were more media-savvy, they’d have both.
Can bloggers and MSM co-exist? Undoubtedly most political blogs are dependent on MSM, and I’ll be the first to admit it.
However, I do see a symbiotic relationship emerging as bloggers drive traffic to MSM internet sites and further discussion surrounding their editorials and news items. Some folks may even be encouraged to pick up the print version due to a Blogger’s urging.
Yesterday, I was told by a well-known MSM reporter that he has a “problem with bloggers because they are not trained reporters, and frequently spread misinformation due to their reliance on speculation and assumptions driven by their personal, dogmatic agendas…”
Well with all due respect, I don’t think bloggers have a monopoly on that one, sir.
