| Abstract |
This paper provides an initial examination of the effects of digital technology on international news. Up to the 1980s this specialised area of the media was a rather cosy, elite set-up: the quality American, British and European newspapers and the major western news agencies sent out well-educated, well-paid correspondents to cover the major foreign stories of the day more as a prestige activity than a profitable one. Although communication technology has been a driving force behind international news since it became professional in the early 19th century, the changes of recent years have been more far-reaching than any earlier. Today digital satellites carry information in words and pictures in split seconds, often reaching the audience live, and there are many more providers available. The internet's reach and accessibility has been enabled by digital telephony, and individuals can now get into its vast stores information from their computers at the office and at home. These deveolopments have hugely expanded the power of audiences. First, where they had the choice of no more than a handful of news sources before, they now have a wide range. They can check what's being put out by news organisations and seek out alternative sources of news and even alternative news, cutting out the journalism altogether. Many non-news organisations have set up websites to provide their own information directly. This has accelerated competition in the once-comfy field of international news provision. International news organisations might have faded altogether if it hadn't been for the revival of interest engendered by 11 September 2001 plane bombings in the United States and the subsequent 'war on terror', but suppliers of international news face lean times nonetheless. The digital revolution presents challenges both to their methods of news-gathering and delivery as well as to the financial bottom line, threatening the survival of the established order.
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