Feb
12
As I write this there is news of a plane crash in Buffalo, NY. At this moment, however, after a rather extensive online search, the only place I can really find any coverage at all is at Twitter. The microblogging site seems to have a multitude of on-site reporters…a group of non-paid citizens who are giving first-hand accounts and (literally) up-to-the-minute details about the situation as it is unfolding. They are offering information as they can, and also expressing heart-felt concern and sorrow for the victims and their families.
There is a lone newspaper offering an online photo and coverage, The Buffalo News.
Google News had nary a word about the crash, even though it happened some 45 minutes ago.
The New York Times has one small front-page line indicating a plane crash occurred. However, they want to tell you more ONLY if you are a paying subscriber. Absurd! Breaking news coverage – but only if you shell out a fee. This kind of approach to news will only hasten the demise of newspapers – and really, of any outlet that tries to tightly control the flow of information.
I understand the economic realities of traditional media – I’m in radio – so I know the infrastructure needed to support information gatherers and the distribution systems required. Still, it is becoming clear that newspapers cannot employ enough people to support our insatiable need for breaking news. I don’t expect the New York Times to have field reporters in every community across the land. That said, it is obvious that there are folks who are willing and able to cover stories like this and to get the word out – and they do it without pay. This represents a mega-shift in the media world and necessarily has dire implications for those in the traditional news-gathering business.
What I am seeing tonight is the power of Twitter. Citizen journalism, community and a network of connections. Thousands of people communicating instantaneously and without the hindrances of the old way of news coverage.
It seems to me, more and more, that this is the future of news.
How does one follow news with Twitter? How do you see a news-worthy event occur within Twitter, and how do you then get updates? Are there aggregating sites or something?
Go to the search area of Twitter (“Search” link at bottom of page).