What defines news in an online environment?

With the rise of online platforms, news has adapted accordingly. Mainstream outlets are expanding their reach by using online platforms, Facebook profiles, polls, Twitter updates, etc. Shows like the Today Show often host Facebook polls and they broadcast the results live, as well as comments and opinions from their watchers.

But what is it that defines news online? What is it that makes it different than the traditional forms of media?

The simplest answer to this question is that it’s hosted on a widespread platform. Regional newspapers have now got an online presence, allowing them to reach not only their target community, but anyone. Another answer to this question is that when news is hosted online, it gives people a chance to have their say and debate with others in the comments section. Now, with COVID-19, press briefings from the state premieres are live-streamed, and people are commenting live.

However, the use of social media platforms and other forms of online media has led to anyone having their say. People are able to spread information, or misinformation, and have it be picked up by the mainstream news. People with no formal training can go on YouTube and spend forty minutes talking about their opinions.

The use of online platforms gives news outlets the ability to reach more people, it adds to the interactivity of their articles and makes things more interesting, social media can twist the news, change the context, or remove it entirely, giving anyone the ability to have a say, good or bad.


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