Periodismo 2.0

‘In clear prose and with excellent attention to detail, Martin Hirst makes a significant contribution to debates about the future of journalism in a digital world. In doing so, News 2.0 provides a powerful reply to those whose utopian dreams cloud their thinking about the political, social, economic and cultural implications of digital convergence.’ —Vincent Mosco, Canada Research Chair, Queen’sUniversity ‘Martin Hirst’s News 2.0 offers a scholarly, insightful and authoritative account of the radical changes in journalism in an age of globalisation and ‘mobile news’ . . . essential reading for students, journalists and everyone interested in the future of news and journalism.’ —Bob Franklin, Professor of Journalism Studies, Cardiff University ‘Martin Hirst tackles the urgent questionsthat surround journalism from a pragmatic yet radical perspective. News 2.0 is sharp, insightful, and intelligent, and should be required reading for everyone involved in journalism, as well as citizens who value its role in democracy.’ —Janet Wasko, Knight Chair in Communication Research, University of Oregon ‘Martin Hirst’s important text provides much needed grounded insight and foresight(rather than angst and speculation) into journalism’s present condition and uncertain future.You might not always agree with his analysis but the scope of his exploration of journalism in the era of Web 2.0 is impressive. Anyone interested in where journalism finds itself now, and where it may be headed any time soon, should start by reading this book.’ —Michael Bromley, Professor of Journalism,University of Queensland

Can journalism survive the Internet?

First published in 2011 Copyright © Martin Hirst 2011 Tom Tomorrow’s The Future on p. i reproduced with the kind permission of the artist. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage andretrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The Australian Copyright Act 1968 (the Act) allows a maximum of one chapter or 10 per cent of this book, whichever is the greater, to be photocopied by any educational institution for its educational purposes provided that the educational institution (or body that administers it) has given a remuneration notice to CopyrightAgency Limited (CAL) under the Act. Allen & Unwin 83 Alexander Street Crows Nest NSW 2065 Australia Phone: (61 2) 8425 0100 Fax: (61 2) 9906 2218 Email: info@allenandunwin.com Web: www.allenandunwin.com Cataloguing-in-Publication details are available from the National Library of Australia www.trove.nla.gov.au ISBN 978 1 74237 057 6 Index by Puddingburn Publishing Services Set in 11.5/14 pt Bemboby Post Pre-press Group, Australia Printed by South Wind Productions, Singapore 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

For my family, who instilled the values I hold dear, and to Tiffany White, the mother of all creatures. She still loves me, despite the many lost weekends.

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Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Convergence, journalism and News 2.0 Web 2.0: The singularityarrives Does journalism have a future? Chapter 2: Why is journalism in crisis? What are journalists for? (Redux) Trust me, I’m a journalist . . . If you can’t trust a reporter, whom can you trust? When too much (fake) news is barely enough Faking it is easy So where do we go for answers? Chapter 3: Globalization and the news industry crisis Globalization and nations—where does journalism sit? Goodjournalism is expensive Chapter 4: The end of the mainstream? Do trees have a future? Are newspapers really dying? Will downloads kill the video stars? Chapter 5: Is this the end of journalism? Is the Fourth Estate finished? The age of industrial journalism Public intellectuals of the everyday It’s journalism, Jim, but not as we know it Chapter 6: Journalism in the age of YouTube YouTube and the...