Frontline

Frontline takes a look at how media is changing in a series called "News War." In this series Frontline addresses how the traditional ways of obtaining and reporting the news are slowly fazing out while new and different types of outlets are emerging. One type of reporting that is becoming more and more popular is news on the internet. Although newspapers are losing advertising revenue to this new type of media, the internet is reaching broader audiences and is obtaining news more quickly. It is also allowing people who are not actual journalists to commit acts of journalism, breaking open media from all sources instead of concentrating to journalists only.

I think this change could both benefit and hinder media for the future. This new type of media is allowing everyday citizens to get up-to-date information with ease of access instead of having to wait for the 6 o'clock news to get information. They are also able to choose what type of news that would like to look at. The public has the option to look at hard news, but they also have the option to look at entertainment if that is what appeals to them. Although this is beginning to give a different angle and outlet for people to view media, there is not regulation on who is giving news and how it is being given. Also, these new types of outlets are completely wiping out traditional methods. Newspaper around the country are closing and readership has been slowly decreasing as well. This could be a sign that the end of these channels will be only a memory in the near future.

This change in media, in my opinion, is just a natural progression that has been catalyzed by the internet. By nature humans are curious and are constantly seeking the truth. The availability and accessibility of the internet satisfy this need in people and this is a cause for a change in news.

One trend that may be catching on to salvage newspapers is many companies are trying to make newspapers more centralized to an area that it serves. This way the most important news it that which pertains directly to the individual. I think this would be the most effective way to ensure the survival of most papers. People are drawn to things that are close to themselves, therefore, to have a newspaper that is close to home will be more successful in the long run.

Overall I think this change in media is a necessary and natural progression of media. I also think that is will continue to change as long as people around the world need news.