The disputes between journalism and the Web have gone on for some time. From journalists vs. blogger debates to accusations by the newspaper industry that Google is stealing its content, it is fair to say that the Internet has changed the field of journalism as we know it.

The system that journalists ran on for so long is being transformed. In an era of citizen journalism, do the traditional rules of reporting still apply? We spoke to Michael Yiannakis, a News Editor at the Wall Street Journal in Hong Kong, for his thoughts.

Q: What is the future of journalism?

“Journalism is not dead, but the 19th century business model on which it is based is no longer viable. What is happening is the industry is reinventing itself and I believe it will continue to flourish.

People’s desire for news has not waned but they are getting it in other ways. What you are going to see is the evolution of a new delivery platform.”

Q. How has the advent of new online media affected the style of reporting for speed, tone and editorial direction etc?

“Our style of reporting remains the same. The only difference is our website is updated with greater frequency. Because of that, we have to be more nimble and mindful of news updates. People are going to search engines for news. So, the faster a news website is updated, the easier it will be able to direct traffic to it.

But for some news organisations, what is on their websites does not necessarily reflect what is in their printed editions. Some websites are featuring more salacious news over weightier issues like politics or financial news, to drive more traffic to their website.”

Q. Has today’s new media environment eroded traditional journalism codes of conduct or values?

“I don’t think so.

Online reporters with major publications are being held to the same accountability as their print counterparts.

I would assume most reporters are sticking to sensible and ethical journalistic practises.”

Q. How much focus are you putting on your online news edition as compared to your newspaper edition?


“Our online edition is a major priority. It is constantly evolving and we have region-specific sites. Our online edition trades off our very strong newspaper brand.”

Q. How much control does the traditional media have on news content these days? How much of today’s news agenda is set by the online media?


“I would say it is still in the favour of traditional news outlets.

I think the online news media is taking a lot of its cues and breaking news from newswire services. The traditional media still has some semblance of control. But increasingly, bloggers are being heard more. But overall, readers are still looking to traditional media for their news.

I can’t speak for all online readers but I would assume they tend to trust the traditional media more.”

Q. How do you compete with the new online media? Can you compete?



“It is not so much competing, but rather improving the vehicle for the delivery of news. Almost all newspapers have an online edition. So, it is complementary. I think it is more about competing with other newspaper publishers than bloggers.”

Q. The six-million question – will there come a day when newspapers will be extinct?



“Speaking as a newspaper journalist, I certainly hope not!”

Read our other blog entry on Tip and gripes from an online media editor

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