NDM: the effect of online technology on newspapers

1) Do you agree with James Murdoch that the BBC should not be allowed to provide free news online? Why?

I do not completely agree with the argument that James Murdoch has presented, however i believe there is a lot of problem that lies within the Newspaper Industry due to lack of revenue. For example Journalism is a key aspect in the newspaper industry as it is how the information is gathered and correctly reinforced to the public whilst keeping them interested and educated. Unfortunately, a lot of newspaper companies tend to  have problems such as a lack of advertising revenue therefore it is not shocking as  they have to turn towards non-profit organisation such as the public to keep on being able to produce top high quality journalism and news

 this blog on the Times paywall three years on
2) Was Rupert Murdoch right to put his news content (The Times, The Sunday Times) behind a paywall?

I can comprise and understand Rupert Murdoch perspective and views from an economical point of view as i mentioned previously, making revenue within this industry seems to be lacking severely.

Secondly, The New York times has been able to make a success of the paywall as it produces quality content and information that is valued and trusted by its consumers so it is clearly deemed as acceptable and worthy of a paywall.  In addition, the status of the 'New York Times' is highly regarded and deemed as trustworthy.

3) Choose two comments from below the Times paywall article - one that argues in favour of the paywall and one that argues against. Copy a quote from each and explain which YOU agree with and why.

"It is so ridiculous if these mainstream newspapers believe that they can "force readership of fee-based news. One can get the same "news" for free almost anywhere on the internet. I'd take a hint from the alternative free weeklies that survive just off their local advertising. I don't think anyone would read them otherwise. These papers are full of paid advertising. The fee model will never work."

I highly agree with the statement above as free content has become a part of the culture of newspapers and will be very hard to reverse whilst avoid major losses.

"the strikes me that the difference in business models has a profound effect on the content type. The Daily Mail produces a heady mixture of flamebait, linkbait and search surge chasing headlines. The Times has a little more room for manoeuvre and, in theory, more room for "news leadership" articles."

This person is clearly not a fan or enthusiast of the daily mail so their response sounds a little biased however i agree with the point as the success of time's paywall may not be repilcated by the daily mail. 

4) Read this article from the Media Briefing on the continuing decline of the newspaper industry. 
 Why do you think the Evening Standard has bucked the trend and increased circulation and profit in the last two years?

The ultimate reason for the evening standard having an increase of circulation and profit is due to distributing their products to the public for free during selective times such as rush hour. in addition, they made a 27% increase of flow by the ABC but they have also  lost 5% of their audiences meaning this may lead to a decrease.

7) Is there any hope for the newspaper industry or will it eventually die out? Provide a detailed response to this question explaining and justifying your opinion.

I personally think that it is vitally impossible to save the newspaper industry in this date and age due to the success and prosperity of its opponent, the internet. However there is still a need and dependence for the newspapers industry therefore stabilisation and reduction in the current decline is a serious problem that needs to be tackled in the near future with options such as paywall. Furthermore, Newspaper sales have pretty much been on a steep decline rate with a lot of company  forced to either going out of business, switching to an online format or change their marketing style.

In conclusion, the need for newspaper industry to be saved lies as a traditional and cultural concern in my eyes.