Is Social Media killing traditional News Reporting?

The internet has irrevocably altered the media landscape, witnessing a continuous shift from print to online platforms. Traditional media brands have embraced this shift, bolstering their digital presence to stay afloat in the ever-evolving tide. However, the rising tide of social media is now ushering in another transformative wave.

Social media platforms like Twitter, Telegram and WhatsApp are changing the way we consume news. Users can now access real-time updates directly from the source, bypassing traditional news outlets. This shift in access and immediacy is undeniable, challenging the dominance of both print and online news platforms.

Supporting this transition is the ever-increasing access to smaller devices such as smartphones and tablets. More and more people are now accessing news and updates on their mobile phones. They do not have to be in front of a computer or TV screen to get the latest news updates. Moreover, devices like smartphones are now available to almost all age groups. From teenagers to senior citizens, everyone can access news and updates anytime, anywhere, as per their likes and preferences.

While social media shines in its speed and real-time updates, it often lacks the depth and analysis necessary for comprehensive understanding. This void presents an opportunity for online news and blogging platforms to remain relevant. For those seeking to delve deeper into complex issues, nuanced analysis informed by past, present, and future perspectives remain invaluable.

A readership analysis of social platforms and online news and blogging portal has revealed that web traffic continues to be robust. Of course, the overall traffic of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, etc. is pretty high. As reported by Semrush, Twitter had 8.53 billion visits in November 2023. On the other hand, online news and blogging portals have relatively less traffic. For example, Newspatrolling.com had around 5 lakh unique visitors in November. If social media interactions are counted, monthly views are approximately 7 lakh per month for Newspatrolling.com .

Therefore, rather than viewing social media as the harbinger of doom for traditional news media, we should recognize their complementary roles. Each platform possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to different audiences and needs. Social media excels at immediate updates and breaking news, while online news and blogs offer insightful analysis and in-depth perspectives.

This dynamic landscape presents abundant opportunities for both traditional and contemporary media to thrive. By leveraging their respective strengths, they can create a vibrant and diverse ecosystem that caters to the evolving needs of a digitally connected world. Ultimately, the future of news lies not in competition, but in collaboration and co-existence.