Issues in multimedia journalism

Economic models can be used to determine the content of news and its form of delivery. Stories that increase circulation and therefore increase profits to the firm are the driving force.

“News content is clearly a product as information is transformed into a public good through the marketplace.” (Hamilton 2004 p8)

Stories will vary in length, accuracy, style and focus making them highly differentiated products and ultimately responding to consumer demand.

The media market is driven by consumer desires which surprisingly can conflict the ideals journalists are taught for example a journalists core role is to honestly inform the public, however if the content is not entertaining to the majority of the audience i.e. some political affairs, it will not be published, as it is likely to hinder profits.

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This means published information is information consumers are willing to pay for and not what journalists personally view as newsworthy, for example the use of celebrity to create brand positions to boost sales and create expectations about the way the firm organises and presents the information is common.

Online news is increasing news circulation whilst decreasing costs as it is accessible without marginal costs, unlike print news which includes variable costs, such as printing and distribution costs. The production costs for online news are fixed, meaning they do not vary depending on how many people view the website. A decrease in costs means an increase in profits, so long as, the audience numbers remain unchanged or greater, which is evident through the rise of convergence to online news consumption click here to view growing trends.

Overall individuals will consume news in a form that satisfies their individual preferences and where the benefits of consuming that form of news outweigh the costs of doing so. Since online news is fast, accessible, interactive and immediate the benefits are substantial for the individual and outweigh any costs involved.

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