The shift to the web is becoming decisive for news
by Rob Paterson
This weekend the big news was General Powell’s endorsement of Senator Obama - how did most of us watch this - on the web.
Katie Couric’s interview with Governor Palin was the Rubicon moment that showed most of us that the Governor was not up to the job. How did most of us watch it - on the web.
Paradoxically it has been SNL and Jon Stewart that have made a major impact on the election. They have deepened the insights of the conventional news sources. Most of us have watched Tina Fey and Jon - on the web.
The system has noticed.
Until maybe 2 months ago, all conventional news outlets have seen the web as a useful add on. Now, it is clear that the web is THE place to put up the key content. The air merely markets the web - the web is the primary source, where people virally spread your content and so where the conversation begins.
It’s also where the producer can track with precision who watches. As the recession deepens, what advertising there will be will demand this precision. Only the web can deliver this.
Expect a major re-alignment.
