The Independent has a round-up of views about the future of newspapers in an internet era.

The problem with the article is that it assumes that the internet is simply another publishing format for newspapers. Yes, most newspapers have an online presence. But what many are only just starting to realise is that the internet is a new medium.

There are similarities with print, just as there were similarities between radio and TV, or theatre and film. But it is fundamentally different.

Commenting on The Independent article, Leonard Witt berates the decline of long-form writing. He says:

For me it is the highest form of journalism. It requires great reporting skills matched with equally great writing skills. In my experience as an editor, I have seen tons of great reporters, who don’t know much about writing, and tons of great writers who don’t want to be concerned with reporting. There are a special few who do both well.

Implicit in his post, is the assumption that this cannot be done online. I could not disagree more. There is some great journalism work online, with reporters exploring new ways of telling stories, using new techniques and tools to make complex subject accessible and compelling.

People need to stop comparing online to newspapers. They are not the same thing. If newspapers are to survive, they need to stop thinking of themselves as a print product, and start seeing themselves as news providers.

UPDATE: Here is one example from the BBC about urbanisation. This in-depth report brought an important subject to life. It shows how you can take an issue and produce some great journalism online.

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