Newspapers: Codes and conventions of the online form

Online newspaper editions are a digital counterpart of traditional print media, which also incorporate multimedia aspects such as video, audio and interactives.
Often, their influence spans globally due to their unrestricted geographical reach and instantaneous news updates.
They form a critical component of modern new-age journalism and its evolvement, especially in an era of digitisation and internet democracy.

Unlike printed newspapers, online forms can have an infinite canvas, giving scope to include a wide array of content.
Use of hyperlinks allows for deeper exploration of news stories and to provide additional context or related articles.
Multimedia elements such as photographs, videos, or infographics are used to enhance storytelling and understanding.
User-friendly navigation and interface design are evident through search bars, categories or tags, comment sections and social media sharing options.
Website banner and branding is consistent with the newspaper’s identity and may reflect the liberal or conservative stance the media house adopts.

Headlines and subheadings for online newspapers are often SEO-friendly to increase discoverability.
The online form allows for non-linear reading; readers can jump from one section or topic to another.
The articles follow an inverted pyramid structure, with the most important information at the top and additional details following afterwards.

Comment sections, live chats, and the ability to share articles on social media platforms allow for audience participation and interaction.
Some online newspapers offer live news updates or breaking news features, enhancing real-time user engagement.
Online newspapers often offer various customisation options, like choosing categories of interest, thereby fostering readers’ engagement and loyalty.

Revenue generation methods include paid subscriptions, sponsored content, and display or embedded advertisements.
Online form allows data analytics and targeted advertising as per readers’ interests and reading habits.
Native advertising or affiliate links could be strategically placed to effectively monetise content and generate profit.

Examine how online newspapers challenge traditional print norms through their technological advantage, interactive elements, and flexibility in content and design.
Pay attention to how online newspapers utilise SEO tactics and analytics to grow their audience, monetise content and shape editorial strategies.
The analysis should also consider how these media forms navigate issues of credibility, ethics, privacy, and the changing nature of journalism in the digital age.
Contemplate the societal implications: Does digitisation democratise news access? Or does it contribute to information overload or fake news proliferation?