Before newspapers, people used ancient methods to exchange information and ideas, such as public announcements, crowd gatherings, and town hall meetings. With the invention of newspapers, it became much easier to get a message to the masses. The digital age has further refined the dynamics of dissemination. For example, cable television brought information from around the world to television screens in every home.
Even today, cable TV has great value because it broadcasts news related to national and international events, social and political affairs, sports, weather and entertainment through the best networks. It’s great to see that all these news agencies are using social media platforms as well. Many cable providers offer dozens of news programs. For example, Spectrum delivers all popular news channels like BBC, CNN, FOX News etc. to its TV subscribers.
However, the Internet continues to eclipse cable television and radio in all aspects of information distribution. Here’s why we think the internet is the Best source of news:
Online messages are more responsive
Online messages are more immediate, and this distinguishes them from all means of communication. Although soon after a major story breaks, it takes several minutes for news channels to report it live on cable. However, its reach depends only on the number of people watching or tuning in to the TV. Cable TV has a very limited reach. Conversely, when news is broadcast through social media platforms, people who are not even online at the time receive instant notifications on their smartphones. Thanks to this, they remain aware of everything that is happening around them.
Why the Internet is the best source of news
The print media, once a source of information, is on the verge of extinction. Newspapers were the main source of information and flowed into offices and homes. We have seen a historical trend of new technology completely taking over the old. We have seen computers completely supplant typewriters. Our mobile phones have replaced the traditional landline. Similarly, we are witnessing the internet displacing print media.
Now you can argue that this extinction is recent, however it is a slow process and has been happening since the beginning of this new century. With the rapid rise of the Internet and technological development like wildfire, print media does not stand a chance. There are 3 trillion GB of digital content on the Internet right now, and it’s growing double every year. Phones these days are not just limited to calls but control our entire house.
Finally, newspaper newspapers used to be a source of advertising. Now this trend has completely changed. All companies prefer to advertise their products and services on the Internet. This gives them a better reach.
Social media makes news more relevant
Social media is not just a platform(s) where we share pictures and post updates about our daily routines. There is more. It’s a great resource for understanding public opinion on a particular story or issue. For example, when a news story breaks on the Internet, people usually comment and post their thoughts about the event. As a result, they participate in the ongoing discourse and learn about the different views that are presented and discussed there. This makes the daily news quite relevant and trendy for a while. Conversely, if you hear the News on cable TV, you may not be as motivated to discuss it. The relevance of messages coming from social movements is essential to change management.
The internet is more reliable
There are many stakeholders present on the Internet. News agencies, politicians, celebrities, organizations and companies have their respective digital profiles. Since all these stakeholders are available on the web, people can receive news directly from the concerned party. Their presence on social networks is verified by algorithms and it is easier to trust them. As a result, verified websites and their official social media minimize any chance of inaccuracy, and even if someone deviates from the truth, the internet is quick to judge and demand an apology.
The internet does not have warped morals
Bias in broadcast media is real. Cable companies have their own interests. Television channels run under the ideology of a single person and this ideology promotes a controlled version of news events. On the other hand, the Internet does not have warped morals. It is the amalgamation of subjective morals that together create objective truth. Every person has the right to their own opinion. You get information from different spectrums and sometimes you encounter opinions that contradict your beliefs. As a result, you become more aware of everything and try to analyze things deeply before coming to a logical conclusion.
The future is digital
According to Gen-Z and the upcoming batch, cable television belongs to an older era. The latest generation does not like to sit in front of the TV and watch the news. Their primary source of information is the Internet, which brings global information, recorded or live, into the palm of their hands. This is how they grew up and we can’t change that. We cannot expect them to change. The digital age has opened up new avenues for the distribution of news and information nowadays. The way we get our news is already changing, and this is evident in the strong presence of news channels on social media. The future is digital and it’s best to keep up with the times.
Final verdict
Despite the popularity of Internet channels, many people still verify news online from newspapers or television networks. Conventional journalism has great value in terms of authenticity. The reason is simple. Anyone on the internet can become a content creator and report news without being verified by external verification. Still, many social media platforms are implementing fact-checking tools to prevent fake news from spreading. Regardless, the Internet is the primary source of news today and will continue to be so for years to come
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