The Fall of the Newspaper and the Rise of the Internet: A Critical Analysis

‘The Fall of the Newspaper and the Rise of the Internet: A Critical Analysis’

Introduction/Abstract

Recently I have come across a subject area that I feel very passionate about, as a designer rooted heavily in the printed word. I want to find out how it is happening, why, and whether we can halt it – if at all. Should we even try? I believe this is something many people are concerned about, and there is much scope for ideas.

I intend to conduct research into the widespread fall of newspaper sales, and how the Internet is causing this, if it is even. Furthermore I will branch out into whether the journalists themselves are to blame, or simply because of citizens’ lack of interest in news, whether it is in the newspaper or the television. I will also investigate how people read their news; do they purchase a broadsheet? What interests them? How much does the Internet take the place of the newspaper? These are all questions and more that I intend to research thoroughly, perhaps with the help of the general public.

Aims From Part 1

My aims in this dissertation are simple. Primarily I want to answer questions I have asked myself about the current state of the newspaper industry, in past, present and future circumstances. Will there be a job in that industry for me as a designer, or someone else? How are the journalists, the people who work for newspapers being affected? Do they blame the widespread use of the Internet? Extending this I will examine whether the ‘Online Super Highway’ is affecting, causing or perhaps supplementing the newspaper (the complete opposite) whether that is economically, political or sociological. I intend my dissertation not only to be academic, but also to a wider audience. Hopefully journalists, pe...

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