The first impact that the internet on journalism is that it has changed the functions and nature of journalism. This impact has been realized through elimination of the role of gatekeepers. Citizens can now access unfiltered information via the internet.
This case implies that, although the gatekeepers may edit certain information to fit their house rules, eliminate libel, or make it fit a certain space, the audience has other channels of accessing information. This argument means that the internet has opened more spaces for the audience. The era when the gatekeeper would edit contents for the audience has been eliminated by the internet. The internet has entirely changed the nature of journalism in the world today.
Today, journalists from across the world can exchange news information in real time. The internet has promoted information exchange across the globe. Live transmissions that stream via YouTube and Skype form other avenues that journalists have always exploited. The quality and variety of news items have also increased with greater information exchange via the internet. Journalists are also able to control the standards of their work through live comparison with other international media.
The second impact of the internet on journalism is that it has changed journalism from information diffusion to today’s’ information processing function. The internet, which is the most recent media, has changed journalism just as other media platforms changed it.
The internet is unique in that it enhances interactivity and contact with other media. This uniqueness has resulted in significant revolution in journalism and its culture. With the internet, audience and the sources take almost equal roles in the process of information production.