It used to be a penny could get you a dose of a daily New York newspaper in the 1830’s.

And as the story of rising media unfolded, the radio would work its way into homes, soon followed by what some have said is one of the greatest 20th century inventions—the television. For a while television symbolized a breakthrough for technological advancements.

After studying broadcast news at Kent State University, completing two news internships at very credible stations in Ohio and attending media workshops and conferences locally and in New York, I think some people in the news industry still think that television is the most high tech source.

DISREGARDING THE 'NET

The problem with that train of the thought is a disregard for a whole other medium known as the Internet.

The word convergence is one that hits home to many “newsies.” Some publications and organizations embrace it full force; others are running from it at full speed hoping to never look back.

Convergence for current television shows typically means they will merge into a hybrid with World Wide Web style content — something most television newsrooms have had to incorporate in their daily operations.

The question is: As much as administration and “higher ups” seem to push web, web, web, it seems as though content shown on the 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. news gets shoved almost verbatim online.

Using the Internet as a source for “shovelware” serves no purpose for the organization or the audience.

WEB IGNORED?

At the stations were I interned there have been no more than three people specifically designated to update and upload stories, pictures, and/or video.

Granted, everyone sort of works collectively trying to pitch in when possible. For example, reporters come back from stories and write a version for online. Additionally, the package that runs on the news is also likely to be uploaded on the page.

However, I have seen reporters copy and paste their scripts with only a few minor changes. When I have casually walked by a number of reporters’ desks, I’ve asked, “Are you almost ready to get out of here?”

They usually grimace and say, “Yes, just as soon as I type this web story up really quickly.” I laugh because, last time I checked, one can instantaneously give viewers information online. It obviously takes a lot longer to write and edit a package for a newscast. So shouldn’t reporters be writing for online first and then for TV?

However, with a deadline to meet, that concept is easier said than done. If news organizations want their employees and their product to show or demonstrate that forward thinking, it’s imperative that the “default setting” changes.

NO EASY SOLUTION

I have no easy solution for how something like that happens. All I’m saying is, if web content is going to be completed last, at least give people a reason to view it.

Unless individuals missed a newscast, why would people take the time to visit a Web site that teaches them nothing more than what they heard earlier in the day?

Even though there is talk that papers and television will die because of the web, I see it as an additional source. I don’t think it will be something that replaces those media.

I think the Internet will be used in conjunction with the former sources that already exist and are relied on by the public.

But please, at least put exclusive material on Web sites. If you’re going to use it, utilize it! The future of media convergence for television news is still a very ambiguous one.

And it will not be until reporters and employees actually start using online as a primary source to post news that it can be anything more.