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Technology Has Changed the Delivery of the News


The inception and adoption of the intranet changed the way information was delivered to the world. People no longer saw traditional information providers such as newspaper, television, and radio as the only source of news. With this came the need for these traditional information providers or “newsrooms” to transform or die. Three delivery platforms using the technology of the intranet that evolved to help newsrooms service include mobile, apps and podcasts. 



Mobile a Must 
The mobile industry turned the way people consume news upside down over a decade ago, but the pandemic has accelerated adoption. For example, according to a 2018 study conducted by the Pew Research Center (PRC) 34% of U.S. adults said they preferred to get news online, whether through websites, apps or social media. In 2016, the same PRC study found that percentage to be 28%. In 2021, PRC conducted a study to that showed 86% of U.S. adults said they get news “often” or “sometimes” online—primarily from a smartphone, computer or tablet (Shearer, January 12). 

Age still matters when it comes to consumption, although the gap is closing. Again, the PRC found in 2020 that Americans ages 50+ use both television and digital devices to consume news (Geiger, May 2020). Conversely, younger Americans almost fully use digital devices. I’m in the 50+ category and because of my profession (PR professional), it is my job to monitor both traditional and digital news. 

For my personal consumption, I approximately use digital platforms 70% of the time. At the same time, I almost always have CNN, CNBC, Cheddar, and MSNBC on while working as I work from home. I enjoy listening and being up-to-date on the news and became a little more obsessed with news consumption during the Trump presidential era. 

Apps Equal Access 
According to the same 2021 PRC survey mentioned above, the most preferred digital platforms for news access is news websites or apps. This is compared to search, social media, and podcasts. One of the biggest benefits of apps is the ability to interact with news outlets. I love using news apps—especially the NY Times, USA and CNN—because they enable me to share content to social media and with others. I can then engage with others that use the app. Also, most apps enable push notifications. This is especially helpful to me professional as I get notified almost in real-time when there is breaking news related to my clients, industries of interest, competitors and relevant news. I also love the expanded photo galleries and interactive graphics that apps offer. 

Podcasts Reach Exceeds Radio 
According to a 2020 Pew Research study, 83% of Americans ages 12 or older listened to terrestrial radio in a given week. Being able to listen to news, especially niche industry news has completely changed the way I consume news. I drive a lot because of my kids, plus travel for work. This is 10-15 hours a week where I can keep up to date, especially related to industry news that I need professionally (Pew Research Center, December 2020). 

Major publications such as the New York Times deliver news briefings which are also really valuable because it packs news into 2–7-minute segments. This is great for people who don’t have time in the day to “read” the news. It’s completely transformed the way I consume news. To deliver quality content in all three of these areas requires a shift in the educational paradigm for journalists. And, it opens up opportunities for non-journalists. 

You don’t have to be an educated journalist to deliver content in any of these areas, but journalists use their education and training in these areas as differentiators. Delivering non-bias, factual content via mobile, apps and podcasts is one way to separate themselves from untrained content creators using these platforms. 

Sources: 

Shearer, E. (2021, January 12). 86% of Americans get news online from smartphone, computer or Tablet. Pew Research Center. Retrieved March 27, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/01/12/more-than-eight-in-ten-americans-get-news-from-digital-devices/ Geiger, A. W. (2020, May 30). 

Key findings about the online news landscape in America. Pew Research Center. Retrieved March 27, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/09/11/key-findings-about-the-online-news-landscape-in-america/ Pew Research Center. (2021, December 15). Trends and facts on audio and podcasts: State of the news media. Pew Research Center's Journalism Project. Retrieved March 27, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/audio-and-podcasting/

Haselton, T. (2018, December 10). More Americans now get news from social media than from newspapers, says survey. CNBC. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/10/social-media-more-popular-than-newspapers-for-news-pew.html

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