Newspapers: News Websites (eg. Wales Online)

News websites like Wales Online emerged with the advent of the internet, evolving the way in which news is disseminated and consumed.
Initially, news websites were mere digital replicas of their physical counterparts, but quickly grew to offer additional interactivity and multimedia content not possible in print news.
Over time, e-newspapers have expanded their presentation styles, incorporating elements such as hyperlinks, videos, images, and interactive graphics.

News websites offer 24/7 updated coverage, breaking news, and feature articles, allowing them to deliver constant and instantaneous news updates.
These websites utilise SEO best practices to increase their visibility and reach. They strategically use keywords and phrases to match users’ search queries and ensure stories appear in search engine results.
News websites often provide a mixture of free and premium contents where the latter requires subscription, representing a shift to digital revenue models.
Websites like Wales Online feature interactive elements such as comment sections, share buttons, and the ability to customise and personalise the content user’s view based on their preferences.

News websites serve as a primary source of information, shaping public perception of world events.
These platforms allow for global dissemination of news, resulting in a more informed society and promoting democratic ideals.
However, the speed and competitiveness associated with online news can sometimes lead to the spread of misinformation or unchecked facts.

Social media platforms significantly impacted the accessibility and dissemination of news, with platforms such as Twitter and Facebook often used to break news in real-time.
The rise in mobile usage has seen an increase in mobile-optimised news websites and applications, allowing users to digest news on-the-go and receive push notifications for breaking news.
Social media also opened up another channel for readers to engage with and share content, contributing to the viral spread of articles.

News websites reflect the contemporary digital era of instant gratification and constant connectivity.
They have culturally transformed people’s reading habits, with many now consuming news digitally as opposed to traditional print.

Understanding the changing landscape of news through notable websites like Wales Online can help highlight the trend and impact of digitalised news.
Analysing the content, design, and user interaction of news websites offers insights into how they adjust to serve the needs of their audience.
Evaluate the responsiveness of a news website to current events and cultural shifts to understand its ongoing appeal and relevance.