The Next Generation of News

In part two of our series examining how teens are changing the news industry, Neirad Enilno Reporter Alex McGuire talks to students who are starting to create their own news content.

Link: If you missed part one by Annie Meyjes

By Alex McGuire - 02/08
NEIRAD enilno edition

The Internet is taking over the news industry.  A new wave of information is being propelled to teens across the world.  Newspapers are being viewed less and less as computers are taking precedence in the news world. 
“It’s much easier to find news on a computer,” freshmen Christian Nielsen said.  “Finding news on a computer is more efficient than looking for news on T.V. or listening for it on the radio.”
The “Apple Generation” is accustomed to having everything streamed directly before their eyes and ears, which leaves less appetite for traditional mediums such as radio.  It is hard to blame them: the Internet is handier and more immediate than mediums like radio.  Instead of having to wait to listen for important announcements, teens can simply search a topic on Google, and suddenly a world of information will be at their fingertips in seconds. Teens do not have to wait. 
Many sites are also making news more interesting than many dull-but-worthy talk shows found on radio and television.  Rocketboom.com is an example of this new form of news content. 
“Rocketboom is a three minute daily videoblog (vlog) based in New York City.  We cover and create a wide range of information and commentary from top news stories to quirky Internet culture,” says the “About Page” on the site.
Billboard magazine uses its Web site as a forum to attract this key demographic to the site.  One of the most popular page views is “Music Maven”: a music review video section.  People of all ages can film themselves commenting on new music then submit it to Billboard.com. 
Consumers gravitate to “Music Maven” because it is created by real people, not a corporate commercial product trying to hawk the latest CD release. People trust honest reviews with no financial agenda.  This form of blogging gives kids a better sense of the product they are buying. 
DHS junior Patrick Smith posted his own music review on “Music Maven” and it quickly became the second most viewed video on the site.
“We’re definitely in an age where homemade videos can be just as successful, if not more successful, than professionally produced promotional videos,” Smith said.  “Many people prefer the raw touch that only homemade movies can bring.”
With this new wave of technology, many sources for news from yesterday are slowly starting to disappear.  Newspapers and magazines are losing money quickly with Internet taking over. The only question now is how long they will last in the digital age.