The evolution of online news: a comparative case study of the process of implementation at two South African news organisations

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of online news strategy in South African and American newspaper companies, and compares the approaches used in the two countries. The Internet has had a major effect on news worldwide, and has contributed to sweeping changes in the news industry in all media. This study looks at the changes and the evolving strategy wrought by online news in the newspaper industry in two countries. In order to do this comparison, a model of the US experience has been constructed, using material published in the US academic and professional journalism press. Since there is no equivalent published material available dealing with the South African experience, interviews were conducted with staff at two newspaper companies (Johnnic and Naspers), and a broad historical overview was created for each company. These "narrative histories" were then compared with the US model, and areas of commonality and difference were highlighted and discussed. Several structural and national differences be tween the two countries were also raised and analysed. Finally, a conclusion as to how applicable the US model is to the South African experience is drawn, and suggestions are made for further study.