1What is online journalism? - Ayo Menulis FISIP UAJY

26 Journalism Online
in its area. It might contain a news piece and several related
features or fact files. The online version of the paper could offer all
of that, but also link the reader to the web sites for the local
education authority, the relevant government department, the
schools’ inspectorate, local pressure groups, teachers’ unions, the
headteachers’ association, political parties, etc.
To some reporters, referring the reader to the source must feel
like professional suicide, inviting redundancy. Light the blue touch
paper and retire immediately; preferably on a decent pension.
However, linkage only changes the journalist’s role, it does not
destroy it. As Steve Yelvington points out, the journalist is still
needed:
The old model has the editor or reporter as a defence against
bad information. ‘We only pass that which we deem to be
true.’ That works when the medium is a primary provider of
information. But no medium is a primary provider anymore.
We live in a world where information sources now overwhelm
us. You can’t stop the flow of information. What you can do
instead is take the user or reader by the hand and lead them
towards the light. I think we as journalists have a function
there, to sort through and point out. But more the function of
a guide, rather than a gatekeeper. Because the chance to take
control . . . that’s over with. 13
What has been the effect of all this on journalism so
far?
As we have seen, each one of the distinctive qualities of online can
have a fundamental impact. The arrival of this ‘fabulous monster’,
as Brian Appleyard 14 memorably describes the Internet, has told
us as much about the world of journalism and how it reacts to
change, as it has about the change itself.
Many journalists have struggled to come to terms with going
online for research. There is an issue about access. Some
newsrooms, particularly in the UK, have been slow to provide the
13 Interview with author, June 2000.
14 New Statesman, October 1999.