Journalism 2.0: Journalist View about Media Information ...Newspaper Language Language Frequency Percent Urdu 91 50.80% English 57 31.80% Sindhi 31 17.40% Tota l: 179 Mean=1.66 & SD=0

Chinese Librarianship: an International Electronic Journal, 39. URL: http://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl39AK.pdf

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Journalism 2.0: Journalist View about Media Information Service Trends in

Karachi, Pakistan

Muhammad Yousuf Ali

Sindh Madresatul Islam University

Pakistan

[email protected]

Kiran Kaur

University of Malaya

Malaysia

[email protected]

ABSTRACT: Newspapers are one of essential vehicles of information

dissemination in modern times. Technological changes have reshaped traditional

newspapers into e-newspapers and blogs. Readers’ live comments on news

stories directly change the phenomena of news-making and readership.

Changing paradigms from paper to paperless environment also create

challenges for journalists. This paper analyzed attitudes of journalists towards

online published news and feedback. The findings show that journalists in

Karachi, Pakistan use Web 2.0 tools very effective for their professional

assignments, information gathering, reports and article preparation, and

research project for their readers.

I. Introduction

Journalism 2.0 is used to reference the Web 2.0 technologies such as blogging, audio, video, RSS

social networks, and online reporting tools that journalists use through the web. Journalism is an

information-based industry. It stands on the foundation of information. Professionals working in

newspaper organizations need current, authoritative, and factual information to construct news.

To fulfill these needs, journalists use many sources and channels of information, such as

libraries, information centers, record centers, and the Internet. Online services provide a huge

amount of information. Journalism consists of different segments, such as news, reporting,

editing, and columns. The archetype shift from manual to virtual segments did not occur until

2004. Web 2.0 technology has made significant changes in the professional journalism. And

readers’ influence on news has set a different stance. Users are ready to input their comments,

views, and opinions on any news, which directly impacts the readership of newspaper and value

of stories.

Paulussen, Heinonen, Domingo, and Quandt (2007) advocated using Web 2.0 to interact with

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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social media sources for online routine news coverage. They suggested that it is a phenomenon

adapted from the Web 2.0 technologies (e.g., blogging, RSS, podcasting, and social media

network) in the field of journalism known as journalism 2.0. It has played a crucial role to

convert news to information and vice versa. Below is a model describing how Journalism 2.0

works from both the journalist’s and the reader’s perspectives:

In Pakistan, online newspaper reading rate has been increasing in recent years. All Pakistan

Newspaper Society (APNS) approved 73 daily newspapers published in Karachi. About 38

newspapers (in English, Urdu, and Sindhi) publish their e-papers along with their printed ones.

Online e-paper publishing indicates that Journalism 2.0 has influenced the professional life of

journalists. Web 2.0 tools (e.g., blogging, social media, video sharing, Wikis, SMS, and e-mail

services) have made significance influences in the profession of journalism, too. Web blogging is

also an open forum for reporters and readers to learn about new stories and make opinions or

comments so newsmakers know how and in which dimension they should move.

II. Literature Review

Abdul-Majeed (2008) observed that readers commented on various news sites using Journalism

2.0 tools. Rebillard and Touboul (2010) highlighted how editorship was converted to current

journalism in Web 2.0. Chinn (2001) and Ansari and Zubari (2011) explored the information

seeking behavior and information needs of journalists. Harrison and Barthel (2009) suggested

vital role of content construction and dimension of media in respect of users- generated contents.

Paulussen, Heinonen, Domingo, and Quandt (2007) deemed Journalism 2.0 as citizen media

among European countries. Cochrane, Sissons, Mulrennan, and Pamatatau (2013) observed the

impact of social media upon journalism education in teaching methodology, Web 2.0, and

mobile technology. Macnamara (2012) critically analyzed the characteristics of proactive social

media with respect to public relations and amalgamation of Web 2.0-3.0. Payne (2008) found out

that public relations are keen to adopt the technology of Web 2.0 technologies and tools.

Hermida (2012) observed the positive role of social media in reshaping journalism.

Franklin (2012) described the challenges and threat journalism profession has in respect to

technological changes and innovation. Sorapure (2010) showed some positive impact of free

Journalism 2.0

News Information Online/e-Newspaper

Journalist Reader

E-Newspaper

Online Journalism

Refine News & Info.

News Editing

News sharing

Comments

Updates

Image/Video Sharing Reader circle


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online interaction tools like Web 2.0 on scholars and researcher writings skills. Spyridou,

Matsiola, Veglis, Kalliris, and Dimoulas (2013) pointed out that new skills, ideas, and practices

are emerging with social media in relation to the journalism profession. Gonzalez-Bailon (2009)

analyzed readers from different websites of news media with economics content. According to

Reich (2008), online participation empowers ordinary citizens and consumers to have greater

voices and influence in shaping society and democratization.

Giannakoulopoulos and Varlamis (2009) stated that civic journalism in news-oriented websites is

becoming an important part of contemporary media. Aitamurto and Lewis (2013) elaborated

continuous negotiation between openness and open application program to interface (APIS).

Cochrane and Antonczak (2013) identified the outcome of a mobile community of practices

(MOBCOP), reifying the development of social media environment. Leuven and Raevmaeckers

(2011) stressed that a growing impact of commercialization in the media sector is an increased

use of institutional source and prepackage information via digital media to control editorial

content. Cruz and Fernandes (2011) explored animated scenario in 3D atmosphere journalism.

Poteet (2000) researched on the use of online sources by journalists of two American

metropolitan newspaper journalists.

III. Problem Statement

Literature review above reveals a gap between professional journalism trends and attitudes about

journalists in Karachi on Web 2.0 technologies. This paper tried to disclose how journalists use

Web 2.0 technology and what impact it has on newspaper publishing.

IV. Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is to determine the role of journalists in Web 2.0 environment

and its impact on news making and media information Services. More specific objectives are as

follows:

To determine which type of Journalism 2.0 information is needed for the profession

To investigate the usage of different tools of Web 2.0 in news making and newspaper publishing

To explore journalists’ top priority of Web 2.0 needs

To determine the use of information sources by journalists

V. Research Methodology

The targeted population for this study was journalists and news professional in Karachi,

Pakistan. Random sampling is used for selecting participants. A survey methodology is adopted

for the study.

A closed-ended questionnaire was developed as an instrument for data collection. A pilot study

was conducted to ensure that the structure of the questions and choices provided is appropriate

for the participants.


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VI. Data Analysis and Discussion

179 professional journalists from various newspaper publishing houses in Karachi, Pakistan

participated in this survey. The collected data were analyzed with different statistical tools in

SPSS-19.

1. Respondents’ Demography

1.1. Language

Of the 179 professional journalists participated in this survey, 91 (50.80%) were from Urdu

language newspapers, 57 (31.80%) from English language newspapers, and 31 (17.40%) from

Sindhi language newspapers. (See Table 1).

Table 1. Newspaper Language

Language Frequency Percent

Urdu 91 50.80%

English 57 31.80%

Sindhi 31 17.40%

Tota

l:

179

Mean=1.66 & SD=0.757

1.2. Gender

Of the 179 professional journalists participated in this survey, 127 (70.90%) were male and 52

(29.10%) were female. (See Table 2)

Urdu, 91

English, 57

Sindhi, 31

Urdu Language

English Language

Sindhi Language


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Table 2. Participants’ Gender

Gender Frequency Percent

Male 127 70.90%

Female 52 29.10%

Total: 179

5

Mean=1.29, SD=.455

1.3. Experiences

Most participants have a professional degree in mass communications/journalism. The rest held a

Master’s degree in different subjects such as Urdu, English, international relations, history, etc.

They had received on-job training and were successful in their profession. The participants were

asked about their job experiences. (See Table 3)

Table 3. Participants’ Experience

Experience Frequency Percent

0-3 Year 54 30.20%

4-6 Year 65 36.30%

7-10 Year 35 19.60%

11- 15 Year 10 5.60%

16-20 Year 07 3.80%

20 plus 08 04.50%

179

Mean =2.30 & SD=1.306

Male, 127

Female, 52

Gender

Male

Female


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1.4. Positions

The participants have different positions at the newspaper publishing houses in Karachi,

Pakistan. (See Table 4)

Table 4. Participants Designation

Position Frequency Percent

Editor 15 08.4%

Columnists 21

11.70%

Author 17 09.50%

Assistant Editor 32 17.90%

Sub Editor 52 23.50%

Reporter 79 29.00%

179

N=179, Mean = 4.23 & SD 1.636

0-3 Year, 54

4-6 Year, 65

7-10 Year, 35

11- 15 Year, 10

16-20 Year, 7 20 plus, 8

Frequency

0-3 Year

4-6 Year

7-10 Year

11- 15 Year

16-20 Year

20 plus


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2. Usage of Journalism 2.0 Tools

Journalists use various types of Journalism 2.0 tools for professional assignments like article

preparation, research information, reports, entertainment, and other purposes.

2.1. Journalism 2.0 Tools

Table 5. Journalism 2.0 Tools (N=179)

Variable Mean SD Rank

E-mail .97 .18 1

RSS .40 .491 6

Blogging .35 .479 7

Social Media Network .89 .309 2

Wikis .27 .444 9

Video Sharing .68 .467 3

Image Sharing .33 .471 8

Skype Online Interview .53 .501 5

Instant Messengers .54 .50 4

Table 5 shows that participants use email services most (mean = 0.97, SD = 0.18), followed by

social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus (mean = .89, SD = 0.309), videos

sharing and clips (mean = 0.68, SD = 0.467), instant messengers (mean 0.54, SD = 0.50), Skype

(mean = 0.53, SD = 0.501), RSS feeds (mean 0.40, SD = 0.491), blogging (mean = 0.35, SD =

0.479), image sharing (mean = 0.33, SD = 0.471), and Wikis (mean = 0.27, SD = 0.444).

Editor, 15 Columnists, 21

Author, 17

Assistant Editor, 32

Sub Editor, 52

Reporter, 79

Frequency

Editor

Columnists

Author

Assistant Editor

Sub Editor

Reporter


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2.2. Purposes of Usage

Table 6. Purposes of Using Journalism 2.0 (N=179)

Usage Mean SD Rank

Information 0.64 0.481 1

Article/ Report Preparation 0.63 0.484 2

Research 0.50 0.501 3

Entertainment 0.39 0.489 5

Other 0 .43 0.496 4

Table 6 shows that participants use Journalism 2.0 mostly for information purpose (mean =

0.64), SD = 0.481), followed by article and report preparation (mean = 0.63, SD = 0.484),

research (mean = 0.5, SD = 0.501), other purposes (mean = 0.43, SD = 0.496), and entertainment

(mean = 0.39, SD = 0.489).

2.3. Learning Mode

Regarding the learning mode of Web 2.0, 109 (60.9%) journalists learn about 2.0 tools by

themselves, 53 (29.6%) from colleagues and friends, and 17 (9.5%) through professional

training. (See Table 7)

Table 7. Learning Mode of Information (N=179)

Learning Mode Frequency Percent

Self-Learning 109 60.9 Friends & Colleagues 53 29.6

Professional Training 17 9.5 Total 179 100

Self-Learning, 109

Friends & Colleagues,

53

Profession Training, 17

Self-Learning

Friends & Colleagues

Profession Training


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3. Media Information Service Trends in Journalism 2.0

The participants were asked about the impact of Journalism 2.0 on newspaper readership.

Table 8. Impact of Journalism 2.0 on Newspaper Readership

Variables Scales Mean SD Rank

1 2 3 4 5

Web 2.0 is the best medium to

increase newspaper readership.

78 61 13 20 7 1.98 1.146 5

Web 2.0 is the best medium to

facilitate communications between

readership and authors, editors,

reporters or columnists.

54 55 28 19 23 2.45 1.358 2

Social media allows for feedbacks

and comments from readership on

news items.

61 64 16 23 15 2.26 1.281 4

You are competent with

Journalism 2.0.

44 39 23 40 33 3.24 1.469 1

Social media has a positive role in

Pakistani journalism.

92 32 24 15 16 2.288 1.340 3

Scales: (1 = strongly Agree, 2 = Agree, 3 = Moderate, 4 = Disagree, 5 = strongly Disagree)

Table 8 shows the trends of Journalism 2.0 and the positive impact of Web 2.0 on newspaper

readership. Journalism 2.0 competency ranks no. 1 (mean = 3.24, SD = 1.469, followed by Web

2.0 facilitating communications between readership and authors, editors, reports or columnists

(mean = 2.45, SD = 1.358), social media’s positive role in Pakistani journalism (mean = 2.288,

SD = 1.34), social media enabling feedbacks and comments from readership on news items

(mean = 2.26, SD = 1.281), and Web 2.0’s contribution to the increase of newspaper readership

(mean=1.98, SD=1.146).

VII. Conclusion

Journalism is an information-oriented profession. Professional journalists are a group of people

who produce news for the readership. Due to time constraint, they must gather and verify the

validity of information quickly as well as seeking feedbacks and comments from the readership.

Web 2.0 tools come handy and become part of their daily routine.

Most journalists in Karachi, Pakistan agree that social media have played a positive role in

journalism and contributed to the increase of newspaper readership in the digital age.


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Authors:

Mr Muhammad Yousuf Ali, Deputy Librarian, Sindh Madresatul Islam University, Karachi

74000, Pakistan. E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Kiran Kaur, Head of the Department, Senior Lecturer, currently the Head of Department of

Library & Information Science at the Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology,

University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. E-mail: [email protected]

Submitted to CLIEJ on 6 January 2015.

Copyright © 2015 Muhammad Yousuf Ali & Kiran Kaur

Ali, Muhammad Yousuf; & Kaur, Kiran. (2015). Journalism 2.0: Journalist view about media

information service trends in Karachi, Pakistan. Chinese Librarianship: an International

Electronic Journal, 39. URL: http://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl38AK.pdf
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.iclc.us/cliej/cl38AK.pdf

Documents

Journalism 2.0: Journalist View about Media Information ...Newspaper Language Language Frequency Percent Urdu 91 50.80% English 57 31.80% Sindhi 31 17.40% Tota l: 179 Mean=1.66 & SD=0