BAMC 4-2

The Internet is a network of networks, linking computers to computers sharing the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol) protocols. Each runs software to provide or serve information and/or to access and view information. Is the transport vehicle for the information stored in files or documents on another computer.

PRINT MEDIA

Newspaper Reporter
500-600 words/

BROADCAST MEDIA

Reporter
40 seconds to

story

Photographer
1 picture in print

Graphics Journalist
One or two-

tell a story A 5 minute interview will be will be reduced to a 7second sound bite

column space

Reporter Can take as many words or as much time as is necessary to tell a story Photographer Can post ten pictures of an event Graphics Journalist Might be limited by screen width but this limitation represents a vast expansion of the space he/she is allotted.

THE WEB

The Web can handle a wide variety of forms for the information it represents:
WORDS

PICTURES
AUDIO VIDEO GRAPHICS

The Web can deliver information immediately, often as events are unfolding. Television can also do the same thing and with great impact but the Webs qualities offer an immediacy that broadcasting cannot match in four different ways.

1. VARIETY Multifaceted events 9/11 Sporting events ESPN 2. EXPANSION The web can often satisfy our need for information more immediately. 3. DEPTH Quality the information must undergo minimal editing. 4. CONTEXT Web provides immediacy with context.

The Web is the most permanent media in the sense that it does not deteriorate. Properly archived and maintained. Paper deteriorates, and videotape and audiotape degrades. Permanence leads to two other qualities about the web that render it so powerful:
DUPLICATION and RETRIEVABILITY

This quality means a new relationship between journalist and reader/ viewer/ consumer, and the new relationship could mean a new form of journalism. There is an opportunity to interact. News website techniques:

Instant polls Forums Bulletin boards Discussion Groups Online chats

Capacity, immediacy, permanence, flexibility, and interactivity are the characteristics of the Web. Is there a downside to these qualities for journalism?