Jeremy Wagstaff, technology columnist for “The Asian Wall Street Journal” and “The Wall Street Journal Online,” has some interesting views on the future of newspapers — print and online version (courtesy of techdirt).
To summarize and take from Mr. Wagstaff’s views: Newspapers need to treat print and online as two different audiences. The print version should have longer content for people who love to read and want in-dept storytelling.
Online, meanwhile, is short, to the point: for people who don’t like (or don’t have time) to read.
As a journalist in my early career (and still at heart), that’s an interesting take. TV, radio, etc., can’t give you the detailed information, analysis and even inspiration that newspapers can. A good journalist can really make a subject come to life — expose corruption, highlight the exceptional and every-day good, provide news — all the while making an impact in your life.
However, for those more apt to the Internet vs. print, we shouldn’t short-change the online content (even as Mr. Wagstaff later points out). While I can’t curl up with my monitor as I can with my Sunday paper, I can still be moved and informed (thought I’m not as comfortable 
).
Newspapers are still very much needed. However, they can’t just repeat their print versions online. They need to be innovative. Maybe this is one step.
And, speaking of innovation, I think it’s time to check out The State’s citizen journalist site.
– Mike
Technorati tags: Journalism, Media, Writing,
