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2013 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

Managing New(s) Conversations: The Role of Social Media in News Provision and Participation

Authors : François Nel, Oscar Westlund

Published in: Handbook of Social Media Management

Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg

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Abstract

Predictions of the imminent death of once-powerful printed newspapers have grown louder in many developed countries, where structural changes fuelled by shifting consumer demand and the rapid growth of networked digital technologies have battered the sector. Nonetheless, most publishers are still in operation, albeit with shrinking readerships and advertising revenues. In response, many have launched news websites and applications for mobile devices and tablets with the aim to make their content and services accessible anytime, anyplace and through any device. The rise of Web 2.0 practices have further challenged publishers to engage with users in so-called participatory- and citizen journalism practices.

This chapter scrutinizes how the leading newspapers in each of the UK’s 66 cities have employed interactive technologies to include users online, on mobile and on tablets. The study draws on three longitudinal data sets to provide unique and empirically-based insights into how the social media practices of newspapers are paying off.

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Title: Managing New(s) Conversations: The Role of Social Media in News Provision and Participation
Authors: François Nel
Oscar Westlund
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Book: Handbook of Social Media Management
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-28896-8

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-642-28897-5

Copyright Year: 2013
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28897-5_11