One of the main differences between online journalism outlets and the older journalistic institutions is online’s willingness to link to competitors.
The New York Times’ Brian Stelter writes how, in some instances, that norm is changing. Stelter cites two examples: NBC’s local affiliates and his own newspaper.
“This week NBC will begin introducing Web sites for its local TV stations with links to local newspapers, radio stations, online videos and other sources,” he writes. “And The New York Times will soon offer its online readers an alternative home page with links to competitors.”
Some tvnewsers who have made their way onto the web do discuss and link to the competition (like FNC’s Greta Van Susteren, who gives her take on the Andrea Mitchell disclosure story today).
And although the “link journalism” has translated recently online, on-air “linking” to competitors is still fairly rare.