Of speed and quality in online journalism

Keni, a student at University of Indonesia, asks:

In his book, Philip Seib said that in this "real time" world, speed and quality is not always compatible. Referring to that statement, I was wondering if you could tell me what you think he meant when using the term "quality"?

There is a natural tradeoff -- sometimes even tension -- between speed and quality in journalism. A wire service report is expected to skim off the most important and newsworthy details of a news event quickly, without delving into substance and depth. A newspaper reporter with a deadline two days away can give a story more context and depth. And a magazine writer with a deadline a month away and more space for his article can add writing, polish, grace and nuance, and often add details and angles overlooked by reporters with more immediate deadlines. The online environment adds to the culture of want-it-now, immediate gratification.

Do you agree if someone say that speed is actually part of quality itself?

Yes. To be able to summarize a news event both quickly and accurately is a difficult craft, and one that journalists aren't often given credit for.

If not, then what do you think are the aspect of quality in online journalism?

Speed is one benefit and value inherent in online journalism. Other aspects of good online journalism include:

• context -- providing links to background material, original source documentation, other related articles.

• interactivity -- providing channels for feedback from, and participation by, the online audience.

• personality -- while not a required element of online journalism, the online medium allows for a broader range of personal opinion, emotional depth and writing flair than the often mechanical and formulaic process of traditional establishment journalism.

In one book about print journalism, the author mentioned accuracy, ensuring fairness, reporting facts are the aspects of quality. Do you think those items can be applied as well in online journalism?

Absolutely. Online journalists need to bring the time-honored values of traditional journalism -- accuracy, fair play, trustworthiness, credibility, fact-checking -- to the online medium. Otherwise, you're not really practicing journalism but a poor imitation of it.

Is there an exact definition of breaking news for online media?

I don't know of any other definition other than breaking news is reporting events as they unfold in as honest and accurate a way as you can.

One thing to remember: You don't need to be part of a large traditional media organization to practice online journalism. One honest observer with a weblog can be just as much a journalist as a reporter from a major newspaper or broadcast station.

You might also want to read a column I wrote for AJR on Speeding the news on the Internet.

And take a look at Blogs & online journalism.

This entry originally appeared Sept. 9, 2002, on my Manila blog.